Lithium augmentation of venlafaxine in adolescent major depression.
OBJECTIVE
Studies on the pharmacotherapy of adolescent major depression are limited but suggest that the illness is often resistant to drug treatment. We aim to report the use of lithium augmentation of venlafaxine in two teenagers with major depression.


METHODS
Two 16-year-olds with major depression are described.


METHODS
In both patients, the treatment involved trials of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, venlafaxine, and psychotherapy preceded lithium augmentation of venlafaxine. The trial of venlafaxine alone had been short in one patient.


RESULTS
Combining lithium and venlafaxine was rapidly followed by marked improvement in mood and function.


CONCLUSIONS
Augmentation of antidepressants should be considered in young depressed patients who fail to respond to adequate trials of new antidepressants alone.
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, Australia.
G
G
Walter
B
B
Lyndon
R
R
Kubb
D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride