Extended release venlafaxine in treatment of major depression: a double-blind, randomized, and controlled multicentre study

AIM:To compare the efficacy and adverse reaction of venlafaxine extended release(XR) versus fluoxetine in the treatment of major depression METHODS: Sixty four patients(age 41 a± s 13 a) were enrolled in venlafaxine group and 63 patients(age 42 a±12 a) in fluoxetine group. Patients randomized to venlafaxine group received 75 mg·d -1 ,qd and those to fluoxetine group 20 mg·d -1 ,qd respectively. The duration of treatment was 6 wk. HAMD, HAMA and CGI were adopted to evaluate the efficacy. Safety was evaluated by TESS, laboratory and physical examination. RESULTS: After 6 wk treatment, the results based on the reduction rate of HAMD showed venlafaxine group was effective on depression, the remission rate was 69 %, the response rate was 83 %. The remission rate and the response rate of fluoxetine group was 59 % and 71 % respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups( P 0.05 ). On the other hand, venlafaxine group had effect on anxiety symptom. The adverse reactions of venlafaxine were mild. CONCLUSION: Venlafaxine XR is an effective and safe antidepressant. The tolerance and compliance are good.