OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no documentation of the efficacy of venlafaxine (a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) in the treatment of dysthymia. This open-label pilot investigation examined the efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine in patients with primary dysthymia without concomitant major depression. METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated with venlafaxine for 12 weeks, with a dose range of 75 mg to 225 mg daily (taken orally), and symptom changes were measured using standard instruments including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). RESULTS: Significant changes from pretreatment to posttreatment were observed (p < 0.001). Using the standard criteria of a 50% reduction in HAM-D scores, 73.3% of patients were rated as responders. About two-thirds of the patients reported adverse events, which were mostly mild and brief in duration. CONCLUSION: Venlafaxine may be useful in the treatment of primary dysthymia but placebo-controlled studies are required for confirmation.
OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no documentation of the efficacy of venlafaxine (a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) in the treatment of dysthymia. This open-label pilot investigation examined the efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine in patients with primary dysthymia without concomitant major depression. METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated with venlafaxine for 12 weeks, with a dose range of 75 mg to 225 mg daily (taken orally), and symptom changes were measured using standard instruments including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). RESULTS: Significant changes from pretreatment to posttreatment were observed (p < 0.001). Using the standard criteria of a 50% reduction in HAM-D scores, 73.3% of patients were rated as responders. About two-thirds of the patients reported adverse events, which were mostly mild and brief in duration. CONCLUSION:Venlafaxine may be useful in the treatment of primary dysthymia but placebo-controlled studies are required for confirmation.
Authors: L A Cunningham; R L Borison; J S Carman; G Chouinard; J E Crowder; B I Diamond; D E Fischer; E Hearst Journal: J Clin Psychopharmacol Date: 1994-04 Impact factor: 3.153
Authors: V Ricca; E Mannucci; A Paionni; M Di Bernardo; M Cellini; P L Cabras; C M Rotella Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 1999-03 Impact factor: 4.652