A randomized, double-blind controlled comparison of nefazodone and paroxetine in the treatment of depression: safety, tolerability and efficacy in continuation phase treatment

We investigated the safety, tolerability and efficacy of nefazodone and par oxetine in the continuation phase of treatment of depression. The study com prised a double-blind, parallel-group comparison over 4 months, of patients who had previously improved following random allocation to nefazodone or p aroxetine during an 8-week acute treatment study. Assessments included Clin ical Global Impression Scales, Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and An xiety, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Patient Global Ass essment Scale, in addition to a review of reported adverse events, vital si gn measurements, electrocardiograms and clinical laboratory tests. One hund red and eight patients participated in the continuation study (53 received paroxetine, 55 nefazodone) and 73 completed treatment. No clinically releva nt differences in antidepressant efficacy were seen. Headache and somnolenc e were the most common reported adverse events in both treatment groups. Bo th nefazodone and paroxetine maintain their efficacy in continuation treatm ent, and both are generally well tolerated.