Clinical effectiveness and safety of escitalopram and desvenlafaxine in patients of depression with anxiety: A randomized, open-label controlled trial
Suparna Chatterjeea, Nabakumar Maitya, Malay Kumar Ghosalb, Anupam Nath Guptac, Amrita Sila, Sushmita Chakrabortyd
- aDepartment of Pharmacology, Institute of Postgraduate Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- bDepartment of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- cDepartment of Pharmacology, North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
- dDepartrment of Pharmacology, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Abstract
AIM: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) are effective in treating anxiety disorders associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). This randomized, controlled, parallel-group, open-label, phase 4 trial (CTRI/2012/08/002895) was undertaken to compare the effectiveness and safety of desvenlafaxine versus escitalopram, a standard antidepressant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effectiveness was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Response to treatment was assessed by ≥50% decrease of baseline scores (responder rate). Safety and tolerability was evaluated by changes in routine laboratory parameters, vital signs, and adverse events reported by the subject and/or observed by the clinician. RESULTS: Responder rates for both HAM-A and HAM-D scores at 8 weeks were better in the escitalopram group compared to the desvenlafaxine group (HAM-A 76.92% vs. 71.05%; HAM-D 79.48% vs 73.68%) but the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.59 and P = 0.61). Within group changes of both scores, from baseline to subsequent visits in both treatment arms were statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of desvenlafaxine was comparable to escitalopram, but escitalopram was better tolerated.
TL;DRThe effectiveness of desvenlafaxine was comparable to escITALopram, but escitalopram was better tolerated, and within group changes of both scores, from baseline to subsequent visits in both treatment arms were statistically significant. (Semantic Scholar)