FLUOXETINE BENTAZEPAM COMBINATION IN THE TREATMENT OF DYSTHYMIC DISORDERS

An open-label, randomized study was conducted in 60 patients with dyst hymia to determine whether the addition of bentazepam to fluoxetine sp eeded the onset of antidepressant effects. The patients, 46 women and 14 men aged 19 to 73 years (mean, 42 years), were assigned to receive 20 mg of fluoxetine only (n = 29) or 20 mg of fluoxetine plus 50 mg of bentazepam (n = 31) each morning for 4 weeks. At baseline and at the end of weeks 1, 2, and 4 the patients completed the Hamilton Anxiety a nd Depression Rating Scales and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Pat ient scores on these three scales were significantly reduced in both t reatment groups; significant reductions in scores were observed during the first week of treatment in patients receiving fluoxetine plus ben tazepam, but not until the second week of treatment in the patients re ceiving fluoxetine alone. Side effects were reported by 10 patients in each group; treatment was discontinued in two patients in the fluoxet ine group because of restlessness and headache. No rebound or withdraw al symptoms were reported when the patients were withdrawn from bentaz epam during the 3-month follow-up period. It is concluded that the add ition of bentazepam to fluoxetine accelerated the onset of action of f luoxetine.