COMBINATION OF OLANZAPINE AND FLUOXETINE IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Objective To assess the efficacy of combined olanzapine with fluoxetine for depression.Methods Eighty patients who met CCMD-3 standard were randomized to two groups: combination group,ollanzapine plus fluoxetine were given;fluoxetine group,given only fluoxetine.The medication lasted for six weeks in both groups.An evaluation was made at the end of 1,2,4 and 6 weeks with Hamiltion Depression Scale(HAMD) and Hamiltion Anxiety Scale(HAMA).The side effects were assessed by Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale(TESS).Results The HAMD scores in combination group was significantly lower than fluoxetine group at the end of sixth week.The score-reducing rate of HAMD from the second to sixth week was greater in the combination than that treated with fluoxetine alone(t=3.92-7.48,P0.01).The side effects were similar between the two groups.Conclusion Olazapine in combination with fluoxetine is superior to giving fluoxetine alone in treating depression.