A comparative study of venlafaxine and clorimipramine in the treatment of depression

Objective To compare the efficacy and side effects of venlafaxine and clorimipramine in the treatment of depression. Methods 62 patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive venlafaxine and clorimipramine for 6 weeks. The efficacy were assessed by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD),Clinical Global Impression(CGI)and the side effects were assessed by Treatment Emergent Symptoms Scales(TESS) before treatment and 1,2,4,6 weeks after treatment. Results The effective rate of venlafaxine and clorimipramine was 84%and 81% respectively. There was no significant difference in the efficacy between the two groups (χ 2=1.109,P0.05). venlafaxine worked more rapidly and had fewer side effects. venlafaxine were mainly slight dizziness, digestive system reactions and insomnia, while that of clorimipramine were severe anticholinergic systems and harms to the circulatory systerm. Conclusion Venlafaxine is similar to clorimipramine in the treatment of depression with less side effects.