W A Brown1, W Harrison. 1. Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, R.I.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The question was asked whether patients who discontinue one serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because of side effects can be treated successfully with another SSRI. METHOD:113 patients with major depression who had discontinued fluoxetine because of side effects were enrolled in an open, multicenter, 8-week study designed to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of sertraline. After a washout period of at least 3 weeks following fluoxetine discontinuation and an additional 1-week, single-blind, placebo washout period, patients began treatment with 50 mg of sertraline once daily. Doses were titrated upward as necessary to a maximum daily dose of 200 mg. Depressive symptoms and adverse events were evaluated weekly. RESULTS: Based on the Clinical Global Impressions Scale, 79 (71.8%) of 110 patients evaluated for efficacy were "much" or "very much" improved relative to baseline. Only 11 (9.8%) of 112 patients discontinued sertraline because of adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that patients who discontinue one SSRI because of side effects can be treated successfully with another.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: The question was asked whether patients who discontinue one serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because of side effects can be treated successfully with another SSRI. METHOD: 113 patients with major depression who had discontinued fluoxetine because of side effects were enrolled in an open, multicenter, 8-week study designed to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of sertraline. After a washout period of at least 3 weeks following fluoxetine discontinuation and an additional 1-week, single-blind, placebo washout period, patients began treatment with 50 mg of sertraline once daily. Doses were titrated upward as necessary to a maximum daily dose of 200 mg. Depressive symptoms and adverse events were evaluated weekly. RESULTS: Based on the Clinical Global Impressions Scale, 79 (71.8%) of 110 patients evaluated for efficacy were "much" or "very much" improved relative to baseline. Only 11 (9.8%) of 112 patients discontinued sertraline because of adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that patients who discontinue one SSRI because of side effects can be treated successfully with another.