A clinical comparative study of olanzapine augmented with fluoxetine on the refractory depression

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of low-dose olanzapine combining with fluoxetine on the refractory depression.Methods A total of 74 patients with the refractory depression were randomly assigned to the two groups:a low-dose (5~10mg/d)of olanzapine with fluoxetine or fluoxetine alone.They were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA),and Treatment Emergent Symptom scale (TESS) before treatment and at the end of 1st,2nd,4th week after treatment.The study last for 4 weeks.Results There were significant differences on the scores of HAMD and HAMA between the two groups at the end of 2nd and 4th week after treatment.The effective rate had significant difference between two groups,48.5% of patients in study group showed mild side effects ,in comparison with 38.9% in control group.Conclusion Olanzapine may be effective and safe in the treatment of refractory depression.