Comparative Study of Escitalopram and Paroxetine in the Treatment of the Elderly Post - stroke Depression

Objective To compare the efficacy and security of Escitalopram and Paroxitine in the treatment of the elderly post-stroke depression.Methods A total of 80 elder patients with post-stroke depression were randomly divided into two groups which received Escitalopram(n=40) or Paroxitine(n=40) for 8 weeks.The efficacy was evaluated with Hamilton Depressive Scale(HAMD).The Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale(TESS) was used to evaluate the side effects.Results The scores of HAMD decreased significantly at the end of the first week in Escitalopram group,but did not in the Sertraline group(t=4.07,P0.01).The effective rate was 75.0% and 72.5% in escitalopram group and in paroxetine group respectively.There was no statistical difference on the effective rate between the two groups(P0.05).The rate of adverse reactions in escitalopram group was lower than that in paroxetine group. Conclusion Escitalopram and Paroxitine are effective drug in the treatment of elderly post-stroke depression,but Escitalopram takes effect more quickly,has better compliance and mild adverse reactions.It is worth popularizing.