A randomised study comparing escitalopram with venlafaxine XR in primary care patients with major depressive disorder.
This 8-week, randomised, double-blind study compared the efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram to that of venlafaxine XR in primary care patients with major depressive disorder. The efficacy of escitalopram (10- 20 mg; n = 148) was similar to venlafaxine XR (75- 150 mg; n = 145), based on mean change from baseline to week 8 in Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score. In ad hoc analyses, escitalopram-treated patients achieved sustained remission significantly faster than did venlafaxine-treated patients. More venlafaxine-treated patients had nausea, constipation, and increased sweating (p < 0.05). When treatment was completed after 8 weeks, significantly more venlafaxine-treated patients had discontinuation symptoms (p < 0.01). Thus escitalopram treatment was similar to venlafaxine treatment with respect to efficacy and was better tolerated by patients in primary care.
Montgomery
S A
SA
Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK. stuart@samontgomery.co.uk
Huusom
A K T
AK
Bothmer
J
J
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013546:Sweating; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D015283:Citalopram; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride