Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHOD: Seventeen patients with dysthymic disorder were entered into the study, and 14 completed it. A psychiatric interview was used to establish diagnosis, and behavior was assessed by using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Patients were seen over a 9-week period, and venlafaxine treatment proceeded on an open-label basis, from a starting dose of 18.75 mg b.i.d. to a maximum dose of 225 mg/day. RESULTS: Two patients discontinued early because of side effects, and 1 patient took a single dose, felt better, and did not complete the trial. Analyses of all 17 patients showed significant improvement in HAM-D and BDI scores at the end of the study. Among the completers, there were two response patterns: one group of 7 patients responded quickly to low-dose (75 mg) venlafaxine, and a second group of 7 required the maximum dose. Three of the 7 high-dose patients showed considerable improvement. Side effects in this study were generally in keeping with what has been reported using venlafaxine in treatment of major depressive disorder. No patients evidenced increased blood pressure. CONCLUSION:
|
Authors | D L Dunner, H E Hendrickson, C Bea, C B Budech |
Journal | The Journal of clinical psychiatry
(J Clin Psychiatry)
Vol. 58
Issue 12
Pg. 528-31
(Dec 1997)
ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9448655
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
- Cyclohexanols
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Ambulatory Care
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Cyclohexanols
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Dysthymic Disorder
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Personality Inventory
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Treatment Outcome
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
|