Comparative study of venlafaxine extended-release and paroxetine on major depression

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine extended-release and paroxetine on major depression( MD). Method: Application of stochastic methods,57 MD patients were randomed divided into venlafaxine extended-release group( 28 cases) and paroxetine group( 29 cases),and treated with corresponding antidepressant for 6 weeks. The patients were assessed by Hamilton depression rating scale 17( HRSD) before treatment,3,7,10,14 d and 6 weeks after treatment respectively. The side effect was assessed with treatment emergent symptom scale( TESS) at 3,7,10 and 14 d after treatment. Results: Fourteen day after treatment, there was interaction between group and time( F = 6. 608,P = 0. 001). Compared with before treatment,the scores of HRSD in venlafaxine extended-release group since 7 d and in paroxetine group since 10 d after treatment were significantly decreated( all P 0. 01). The HRSD scores in venlafaxine extended-release group were significant lower than paroxetine group at 7 and 14 d after treatment( all P 0. 01). Between the two groups the efficacy and side effects were no significant difference through 6 weeks treatment. Conclusion: Compare with paroxetine, venlafaxine extended-release works fast,but the curative effect and adverse reactions are equivalen on MD.