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

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines the difference in the efficacy and tolerability of a norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (NERI) antidepressant on the physical and psychological symptoms of climacteric patients diagnosed of major depressive disorder, comparing the therapeutic response between perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients.

Methods: A 24-week observational, prospective, openlabel, multicenter study was made. The sample consisted of women between 45 and 55 years, diagnosed of major depressive disorder who were treated as outpatients. The study drug was venlafaxine extended release at doses according to the investigator’s clinical criteria. Efficacy regarding depressive symptoms was evaluated by repeated measures of the values obtained with the scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index.

Results: 36 depressed women were enrolled in the study and 35 completed it. The patients’ ages ranged from 47 to 55 years old (mean 50.8 years). Throughout the 24 weeks of the study, 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 differences between preand postmenopausal patients. Perimenopausal women reported a higher rate of adverse events.

Conclusion: V-XR was effective in treating depressive and hormonal symptoms regardless of the menstrual status of climacteric patients with a slightly worse tolerance in perimenopause women.