Effectiveness of venlafaxine treatment in a broad spectrum of depressed patients: a meta-analysis.
The effectiveness of the novel antidepressant venlafaxine was assessed in various subpopulations of depressed patients. Data from six comparable placebo-controlled, double-blind studies were pooled and analyzed (venlafaxine, n = 930; placebo, n = 500). Outcome variables were the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression total score, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score, and Clinical Global Impressions severity scores. Venlafaxine had notable antidepressant results in depressed patients regardless of age (although no age differences were apparent, too few patients over age 65 had been enrolled in the six studies to permit definitive conclusions), gender, presence of melancholia, and severity or duration of depression. Our analysis indicates that venlafaxine treatment is effective in a broad range of depressed patients.
Entsuah
A R
AR
Clinical Research and Development, Wyeth-Ayerst Research, Radnor, PA 19807, USA.
Rudolph
R L
RL
Chitra
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride