Sustained response to open label venlafaxin in drug-resistant major depression
Date
2001
Authors
Schweitzer, Isaac
Burrows, Graham
Tuckwell, Virginia
Polonowita, Athula
Flynn, Patrick
George, Tom S.
Theodoros, Michael
Mitchell, Philip
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2001; 21(2):185-189
Statement of Responsibility
Isaac Schweitzer, Graham Burrows, Virginia Tuckwell, Athula Polonowita, Patrick Flynn, Tom George, Michael Theodoros, and Philip Mitchell
Conference Name
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to venlafaxine in patients with treatment-resistant depression during an extension phase of an open-label study of venlafaxine. After completing the initial 8 weeks of the study, patients could continue venlafaxine treatment for an additional period of up to 10 months. Efficacy results are given for 149 patients with treatment-resistant depression. Response was defined as a 50% reduction in scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); 69% were responders after 8 weeks of treatment in the initial study phase, and 73% were responders at their final extension-phase visit. The mean MADRS score was 32.8 before treatment, 12.9 by 8 weeks, and 10.8 at the final extension visit. There was a statistically significant reduction of 2.1 MADRS units from entry into the extension phase to the final extension visit. At extension entry, 36.7% patients were in remission, as defined by a MADRS score of less than 12, whereas at the final extension visit, this had increased to 49%. Improvement in Clinical Global Impressions Scale scores (both patient and physician ratings) was maintained throughout the extension period, with 88% of patients reporting some improvement (75% with "very much" or "much") and 92% of doctors noting some improvement in patients (79% with "very much" or "much") at the last extension visit. The safety profile during the extension phase of the study was similar to that found in the initial phase and in other studies. The most common study events were somnolence (21%), headache (18%), insomnia (16%), sweating (16%), constipation (14%), dry mouth (11%), nausea (10%), and dizziness (10%). Patients with resistant depression that was treated with venlafaxine maintained their response for up to 10 months after an 8-week phase of treatment and showed some evidence of further improvement.
School/Discipline
School of Medicine : Psychiatry
Dissertation Note
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Rights
Copyright © 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.