Fluvoxamine in treating depressive disorder with anxiety

Objective:To compare the clinical effects and adverse reactions of fluvoxamine and fluoxetine in treatment of depression with anxiety. Method:71 patients with depression with anxiety were randomized into either fluvoxamine group (n=36) or fluoxetine group (n=35) for 8 weeks. Hamilton depressive scale (HAMD),Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) were used to evaluate the efficacy and side effects. Results:The HAMD and HAMA score of both groups decreased significantly compared with those before treatment (all P0.01).The significant decrease was showed in fluvoxamine group after 1week treatment but in fluoxetine group after 2 weeks treatment(P0.01).There were significant differences between the two groups(P0.05 or P0.01).The overall adverse reactions in both groups showed no significant difference. Conclusion:Fluvoxamine and fluoxetine are equally safe and effective drug in treatment of depression with anxiety,but fluvoxamine may act more rapidly than fluoxetine.