The efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine and fluoxetine in treatment of elderly patients with first-episode depression

Objective To study the efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine as compared with fluoxetine in treating the elderly patients with first-episode depression. Methods A random, single blind study was conducted in 64 first-episode depressive patients aged 60 years or over. The patients were assigned to receiving venlafaxine (75～150 mg/d) or fluoxetine (20～40 mg/d) treatment for 8 weeks. The efficacy was evaluated with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), and the side-effects and laboratory test data were recorded as well.Results 63 cases were finished the study. At the end of weeks 2, significantly more HAMD score reduction was in venlafaxine group than in fluoxetine group. At weeks 2 and 4,the response rates were 16% and 55% in venlafaxine group, which were signifcantly higher than that (3% and 25%) in fluoxetine group (χ 2=9.828, P0.01; χ 2=18.748, P0.01). At weeks 6 and 8, the remission rate in venlafaxine group were 39% and 61%, while in fluoxetine group were 22% and 47% respectively (χ 2=6.817, P0.01; χ 2=3.945, P0.05). Both groups had mild adverse effects (χ 2=0.221, P0.05).Conclusion Venlafaxine is effective and safe in treatment of the elderly depression patients.