A randomised, controlled trial of fluoxetine in methadone maintenance patients with depressive symptoms.
BACKGROUND
Depression and antidepressant use are prevalent in methadone maintenance patients (MMPs). However, antidepressant efficacy is not well established in this population. This study examined the efficacy of fluoxetine in improving depressive symptoms and reducing substance use in MMPs.


METHODS
Stabilised MMPs scoring over 21 on the Beck Depression Inventory were randomised to receive fluoxetine or placebo over 12 weeks.


RESULTS
Forty-nine subjects were randomised. In both groups, significant improvements were observed in depression, life functioning, and social impairment over 12 weeks. Poly-drug use improved in completers only. No fluoxetine effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Little evidence supports use of fluoxetine as a treatment for depressive symptoms in MMPs.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Royal Hospital 4029, Brisbane, Australia. angela_dean@health.qld.gov.au
Angela J
AJ
Dean
James
J
Bell
David J
DJ
Mascord
Gordon
G
Parker
Macdonald J
MJ
Christie
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D009294:Narcotics; D005473:Fluoxetine; D008691:Methadone