Comparison of the effectiveness of venlafaxine in peri- and postmenopausal patients with major depressive disorder.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the difference in the efficacy and tolerability of an antidepressant inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin--IRNS--on climacteric patients diagnosed of major depressive disorder, comparing the therapeutic response between perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients. METHODS: Observational, prospective, open-label, multicenter study 24 weeks study. The sample consisted of women between 45 and 55 years diagnosed of major depressive disorder. The study drug was venlafaxine extended release at doses according to the investigator's clinical criteria. The efficacy was assessed using repeated measures of the scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. RESULTS: 36 depressed women were included in the study and 35 completed it. The patient's age range was 47 to 55 years old. Throughout the study, a significant clinical improvement in depressive and hormonal symptoms was seen. The comparison of the pattern of improvement, according to the menstrual status of the patients, showed no significant different between pre and postmenopausal patients. Perimenopausal women reported a higher rate of adverse events. CONCLUSION: The Venlafaxine was effective in treating depressive and hormonal symptoms regardless of the menstrual status of climacteric patients with a slightly worse tolerance in perimenopause.

Comparación de la efectividad de venlafaxina en pacientes deprimidas peri y postmenopáusicas / Comparison of the effectiveness of venlafaxine in peri and postmenopausal patients with major depressive disorder

Introducción: el presente trabajo estudia la diferencia en la eficacia y tolerabilidad de un antidepresivo inhibidor de la recaptación de noradrenalina y serotonina –IRNS- sobre los síntomas psico-físicos de pacientes climatéricas con trastorno depresivo mayor, comparando la respuesta del grupo de pacientes perimenopáusicas con la de las postmenopáusicas. Metodología: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, abierto y multicéntrico. Se estudió una muestra de mujeres entre 45 y 55 años, diagnosticadas de trastorno depresivo mayor, y tratadas ambulatoriamente. Como fármaco de estudio se utilizó la Venlafaxina clorhidrato a las dosis consideradas adecuadas por el investigador. La eficacia sobre los síntomas depresivos se valoró mediante medidas repetidas de los valores obtenidos en la escala de Hamilton de Depresión (Ham-D) y la valoración de los síntomas menopáusicos mediante la administración del Índice Menopáusico de Blatt-Kupperman (IMB).Resultados: iniciaron el estudio 36 mujeres de las que 35 finalizaron el mismo. El rango de edad fue de 47 a 55 años y la media de 50,8 años. Durante las 24 semanas de duración del estudio, se observó una mejoría clínica significativa, tanto en los síntomas depresivos como en los climatéricos. Cuando se comparó el patrón de mejoría según la situación menstrual de las pacientes no se observaron diferencias significativas entre las pacientes perimenopáusicas y postmenopáusicas. La única diferencia encontrada fue una tasa de efectos adversos mayor en las perimenopáusicas. Conclusión: La Venlafaxina fue eficaz en el tratamiento de síntomas depresivos y climatéricos independientemente de la situación menstrual de las pacientes con una tolerancia ligeramente peor en perimenopáusicas (AU)

Introduction: This study examines the difference in the efficacy and tolerability of an antidepressant inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin-IRNS- on climacteric patients diagnosed of major depressive disorder, comparing the therapeutic response between perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Methods: Observational, prospective, open-label, multicenter study 24 weeks study. The sample consisted of women between 45 and 55 years diagnosed of major depressive disorder. The study drug was venlafaxine extended release at doses according to the investigator´s clinical criteria. The efficacy was assessed using repeated measures of the scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scaleand Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index. Results: 36 depressed women were included in the study and 35 completed it. The patient´s age range was 47 to 55 years old. Throughout the study, a significant clinical improvement in depressive and hormonal symptoms was seen. The comparison of the pattern of improvement, according to the menstrual status of the es patients, showed no significant different between pre and postmenopausal patients. Perimenopausal women reported a higher rate of adverse events. Conclusion: The Venlafaxine was effective in treating depressive and hormonal symptoms regardless of the menstrual status of climacteric patients with a slightly worse tolerance in perimenopause (AU)