Nefazodone for depression
Article Abstract:
The effectiveness of nefazodone in the treatment of depression remains to be proven. Nefazodone is sold by Bristol-Myers Squibb under the name Serzone. The results of several trials of nefazodone indicate that it is moderately effective in treating depression. In one eight-week trial, 238 patients with major depression were treated with either 100 to 600 milligrams (mg) of nefazodone daily, 100 to 600 mg of imipramine daily or with a placebo. Nefazodone appeared to be as effective as imipramine. Seventy-eight percent of patients taking nefazodone and 83% of those taking imipramine were rated as much or very much improved. Only 55% of those taking placebo were rated as much or very much improved. In a six-week trial that included 180 patients, 66% percent of patients who received 100 to 500 mg daily of nefazodone improved compared with 60% of those taking imipramine and 58% of those taking from 50 to 250 mg daily of nefazodone. The recommended starting dose of nefazodone is 100 mg twice daily. This dose may be increased regularly until it reaches 150 to 300 mg twice daily. More information is needed on how nefazodone compares to other antidepressants.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1995
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Advances in the management of depression: implications for the obstetrician/gynecologist
Article Abstract:
Effective medications for women suffering from depression include the tricyclic antidepressants, heterocyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, bupropion, SSRIs, and venlafaxine. These drugs vary in their effects, toxicity, side effects, and potential for overdose both between types and between drugs of the same type. Newer drugs tend to be less toxic and to have fewer side effects. Some patients do not respond to a particular drug or class of drugs, but may respond to a different medication. Lithium carbonate may help patients who do not respond or respond poorly to antidepressants. Depressive symptoms take several weeks to resolve with actual feelings of depression being the last symptom to disappear. Since sexual dysfunction is both a symptom of depression and a side effect of antidepressants, it should be evaluated prior to taking medication. Anxiety due to depression will be relieved by antidepressants, but pure anxiety disorders will not.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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