Work

Efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants: A meta-analysis

Year: 2002

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In individual studies and limited meta-analyses venlafaxine has been reported to be more effective than comparator antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). AIMS: To perform a systematic review of all such studies. METHOD: We conducted a systematic review of double-blind, randomised trials comparing venlafaxine with alternative antidepressants in the treatment of depression. The primary outcome was the difference in final depression rating scale value, expressed as a standardised effect size. Secondary outcomes were response rate, remission rate and tolerability. RESULTS: A total of 32 randomised trials were included. Venlafaxine was more effective than other antidepressants (standardised effect size was -0.14, 95% Cl -0.07 to -0.22). A similar significant advantage was found against SSRIs (20 studies) but not tricyclic antidepressants (7 studies). CONCLUSIONS: Venlafaxine has greater efficacy than SSRIs although there is uncertainty in comparison with other antidepressants. Further studies are required to determine the clinical importance of this finding.

Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1192/bjp.180.5.396

Authors: David Smith, Carrie Dempster, Julie Glanville, Nick Freemantle, Ian Anderson

Institutions: Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, University of York, University of Birmingham, University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Treatment of Major Depression

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2141398558