[Quality of life, in depressed patients in Primary Health Care setting. Effectiveness and safety of venlafaxine extended release].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this observational study was to evaluate effectiveness, tolerability and impact on quality of life of treatment with venlafaxine extended release at a dose of 75 to 150 mg/day, in depressed outpatients treated in Primary Health Care.


METHODS
Observational, prospective, open-labeled study, carried out by 882 Primary Health Care physicians. Outpatients, between 18 and 70 years of age with depressive symptomatology susceptible of treatment, with a Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17) score 14 were included. Daily doses of 75 or 150 mg of venlafaxine extended release were administered orally for 24 weeks. Antidepressant effectiveness was assessed using the HAM-D17 scale and quality of life with the Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS), Spanish version.


RESULTS
4,747 patients were recruited, of which 4,320 were included in a intention to treat effectiveness analysis and 4,557 patients in a safety analysis. HAM-D17 and QLDS mean score significantly decreased from week 4 to the end of study. 86,2% of the patients were responders and 73.8% achieved remission of the symptoms. Likewise, 95% reported absence or mild somatic and psychic anxiety on the final visit. Tolerability was considered good or excellent for 98.7% subjects. 191 patients (4.2%) reported adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
Venlafaxine extended release is a safe and effective drug that reduces depressive symptoms of Primary Health Care patients and improves their quality of life.
Baca Baldomero
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Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain. ebaca@mi.madritel.es
Cervera Enguix
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D003511:Cyclohexanols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride