Efficacy and safety of olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in treatment of depression

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in the treatment of depression. Methods A 8-week study was conducted with 76 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for depression. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: fluoxetine (20-40 mg.d-1) alone and olanzapine (2.5-10 mg.d-1) plus fluoxetine (20-40 mg.d-1). They were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) at baseline, 4th day, 1 wk, 2 wk, 4 wk and 8 wk subsequently. Results (1) There were significant differences on the total scores and reduction rates of HAMD between two groups in every Interview(P0.01or0.05). (2) The combination group had greater reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms than that in fluoxetine group. (3) The response rate in combination group was higher than that of fluoxetine group at 1 wk, 2 wk and 4 wk(P0.01or0.05). There were no significant differences in response and remission rates between combination group (89.2 % and 75 %) and fluoxetine group. (86.5 % and 64.9 %)(P0.05) (4) In combination group 53 % of patients showed mild side effects, while that was 43% in fluoxetine group(P0.05).Weight gain and increased appetite occurred more frequently in combination group, while decreased appetite occurred in fluoxetine group. Conclusion The combination of olanzapine with fluoxetine demonstrates a rapid, effective and safe antidepressant action.