Comparison of efficacy between escitalopram and venlafaxine in treatment of senile depression

AIM To compare efficacy and adverse drug reactions(ADRs) of escitalopram and venlafaxine in the treatment of elderly depression.METHODS Sixty-eight senile depressed patients in line with diagnostic criteria of the CCMD-3(Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders Version 3) were randomly divided into 2 groups and were respectively given escitalopram and venlafaxine for 8 weeks.The efficacy and ADRs in the study were evaluated by HAMD-17(Hamilton Depression Rating Scale),CGI-SI(Clinical Global Impression-Serious item) and TESS(Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale).RESULTS After eight weeks' treatment,22 patients in escitalopram group showed effectiveness and the efficiency rates were 85.3%;24 patients in venlafaxine group showed effectiveness and the efficiency rates were 88.2%.There was no significant difference between 2 groups,and the incidence of ADRs was 35.3% and 41.2% respectively.CONCLUSION These results indicates that escitalopram and venlafaxine in the treatment of elderly depression are both effective,which have faster onset and fewer ADRs and are suitable for elderly patients.