Efficacy of olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in treatment of depression

Objective To explore the efficacy of low dosage of olanzapine combined with fluoxetine in the treatment of depression.Methods A 8-week study was conducted in 130 patients met the diagnostic criteria for de- pression.Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups:fluoxetine(20mg/d)alone and olanzapine(2.5～5 mg/d) plus fluoxetine(20mg/d).They were evaluated with Hamilton depression scale(HAMD).Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA)at baseline,the 1 week,2 weeks,4 weeks and 8 weeks subsequently.Results(1)There were significant differences in the total scores and reduction rates of HAMD between two groups in every interview.(2)The combi- nation group had greater reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms than that in fluoxetine group.(3)The re- sponse rate in combination group was higher than that of fluoxetine group in 1 week,2 weeks and 4 weeks.There were no significant differences in response and remission rate between combination group and fluoxetine group.Con- clusion The combination of olanzapine with fluoxetine demonstrated a rapid,effective antidepressant action.