A COMPARISON OF FLUVOXAMINE AND FLUOXETINE IN THE TREATMENT OF MAJOR DEPRESSION

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design study of 100 outp atients with major depressive disorder is the first study in the Unite d States to compare the efficacy and tolerability of fluvoxamine (100- 150 mg/day) and fluoxetine (20-80 mg/day). After a variable, single-bl ind, washout period, patients were randomized to receive either fluvox amine (51 patients) of fluoxetine (49 patients) for 7 weeks. Efficacy was assessed with the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HA M-D), and Clinical Global Impressions scale for severity and improveme nt. Eighty-four percent of each treatment group completed the study wi th each group having a mean score at end point of less than 10. Both g roups demonstrated a 60% improvement in HAM-D scores over the 7-week t rial. There were no statistically significant differences observed bet ween the two groups on any efficacy parameter. The medications were we ll tolerated, with only two patients in each group who were terminated because of side effects. There were differences in the side-effect pr ofiles, with fluvoxamine being associated with less nausea than fluoxe tine. In summary, fluvoxamine and fluoxetine were equally effective in reducing depressive symptoms, but the two drugs displayed slightly di fferent side-effect profiles.