EFFECTIVENESS OF VENLAFAXINE TREATMENT IN A BROAD-SPECTRUM OF DEPRESSED-PATIENTS - A METAANALYSIS

The effectiveness of the novel antidepressant venlafaxine was assessed in various subpopulations of depressed patients, Data from six compar able placebo-controlled, double-blind studies were pooled and analyzed (venlafaxine, n=930; placebo, n=500), Outcome variables were the Hami lton Rating Scale for Depression total score, Montgomery-Asberg Depres sion Rating Scale total score, and Clinical Global Impressions severit y scores, Venlafaxine had notable antidepressant results in depressed patients regardless of age (although no age differences were apparent, too few patients over age 65 had been enrolled in the six studies to permit definitive conclusions), gender, presence of melancholia, and s everity or duration of depression, Our analysis indicates that venlafa xine treatment is effective in a broad range of depressed patients.