Citation

Gagiano CA. British Journal of Clinical Research 1993; 4: 145-152.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The efficacy of two selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors was compared in a double blind study over a six-week period. At the end of a placebo washout, 90 patients with major depression (DSM-III-R criteria) were randomised to treatment with either paroxetine 20 mg daily or fluoxetine 20 mg daily; after one week doses were flexible to a maximum of 40 mg/day for paroxetine and 60 mg/day for fluoxetine. The four rating scales employed to evaluate efficacy revealed no significant differences between treatments at the end of the study. Over 60% of patients in each group showed marked improvement as measured by a 50% reduction in their HAMD score (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). Assessment of suicidal ideation revealed in both treatment groups a reduction in the suicide score for the majority of patients. Both agents were well tolerated; adverse events contributed to withdrawal of just three patients from each group. There was no difference between the treatments in the incidence of spontaneously reported adverse events. Patients receiving fluoxetine demonstrated a significant fall in body weight in comparison with paroxetine-treated patients. In conclusion, both paroxetine and fluoxetine were well tolerated and of comparable efficacy in the treatment of major depression.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; male; aged; insomnia; depression; Suicidal ideation; randomized controlled trial; suicidal behavior; clinical trial; Major depression; article; major clinical study; vomiting; controlled study; rating scale; fluoxetine; paroxetine; serotonin uptake inhibitor; controlled clinical trial; double blind procedure; headache; drug efficacy; diarrhea; nausea; body weight; Clinical trial; Paroxetine; Fluoxetine; Weight; oral drug administration