In:
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, SAGE Publications, Vol. 43, No. 10 ( 2009-10), p. 956-967
Abstract:
Objective: Although the second-generation antipsychotic, aripiprazole (ARI), has been approved as an adjunct for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD), neither ARI nor any second-generation antipsychotic has been assessed in combination with an antidepressant at the initiation of a treatment trial for non-treatment-resistant MDD. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess the safety, tolerability, and remission rate in the treatment of MDD using the specific combination of venlafaxine-XR (VEN-XR) and ARI in a generalizable, difficult-to-treat group with chronic or recurrent MDD. Methods: Self-declared participants in primary care or psychiatric settings who had chronic or recurrent MDD and a minimum score of 14 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were included. Up to 12 weeks of open treatment with the combination of VEN-XR and ARI was provided. Participants began with VEN-XR, and ARI was added at week 2. Maximum allowable doses were 300 mg day –1 for venlafaxine-XR and 30 mg day –1 for ARI. Remission was defined as ≤ 5 on the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Self-report (QIDS-SR 16 ). Results: Fifty outpatients with non-psychotic MDD were enrolled (mean age = 43±11 years; 38% male; QIDS-SR 16 =15±3). Mean exit dose of VEN-XR was 227±97 mg day –1 , and the mean exit dose of ARI was 11±7 mg day –1 . The combination was well tolerated; 16% of participants discontinued due to side-effects. Approximately 70% achieved remission at some point during the trial, and 66% achieved remission at study exit. Conclusions: To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first study to combine an antidepressant and second-generation antipsychotic at the beginning of a treatment trial for chronic or recurrent non-treatment resistant MDD. VEN-XR and ARI combination appears to warrant further study in controlled trials.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0004-8674
,
1440-1614
DOI:
10.1080/00048670903001885
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2003849-5
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