Citation

Irene R, Luis MA, Helena DC, David P, Ramon DJ, Inmaculada G. Int. J. Psychiatry Clin. Prac. 2009; 13(2): 100-108.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13651500802578975

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVEs. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching from a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to duloxetine in non- or partial responders.

METHODS. This is a post-hoc analysis of the pooled data of the Spanish sample from an open-label, multicentre study. Additionally, a 6-month continuation safety phase was performed.

RESULTS. A total of 156 patients were switched to duloxetine from SSRIs. More than 83% completed the acute phase, of whom 75% went into the continuation phase. At baseline, the mean duration of SSRI treatment was 71.2 weeks and the HAM-D17 mean score was 22.4. In the acute-phase, symptoms severity significantly improved after 10 weeks of duloxetine treatment as measured by mean change from baseline in HAM-D 17 total score (-10.5; P < 0.001) and all secondary efficacy measures, including painful symptoms. Response (≥50% decrease in HAM-D 17 total score) and remission rates (HAM-D17 total score ≤7) were 52.9 and 27.7%, respectively. The most common adverse events reported in both phases were headache (11.5% [acute]; 6.1% [continuation]) and nausea (6.4% [acute]; 5.1% [continuation]). In a population of Spanish SSRI non- and partial responders, switch to duloxetine was associated with significant improvement in emotional and painful symptoms of depression. Duloxetine was well tolerated and safe during both phases. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; Spain; human; female; male; insomnia; Major depressive disorder; suicide attempt; major depression; clinical trial; disease severity; article; major clinical study; anorexia; citalopram; fluoxetine; fluvoxamine; paroxetine; sertraline; xerostomia; priority journal; headache; anxiety disorder; libido; constipation; drug safety; trazodone; drug efficacy; nausea; tremor; drug withdrawal; Response; Hamilton scale; multicenter study; mania; side effect; symptom; duloxetine; escitalopram; asthenia; drug response; remission; Remission; Duloxetine; metastasis; hyperglycemia; dizziness; pyelonephritis; aminotransferase blood level; bilirubin blood level; treatment duration; drug substitution; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; hyperhidrosis; post hoc analysis; respiratory tract infection; uterus bleeding; uterine cervix carcinoma; upper abdominal pain