Agomelatine in Elderly – Finally a Patient Friendly Antidepressant In Psychogeriatry?

Abstract

Background: Geriatric depression is a serious psychiatric conditions with prevalence from 10–40% in community living seniors. Polymorbidity and potential vulnerability of seniors towards medication is a challenge for seeking newer, well tolerated antidepressant with good clinical efficiency and safety. Agomelatine is new promising antidepressant which could fulfill these criteria.

Objective: Evaluation of effectiveness, safety and side effects of agomelatine used for treatment senior patients with major depression hospitalized in inpatient psychogeriatric ward in Mental hospital in Kromeriz (2010-2011).

Methods: Psychiatric scales Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were used initially before starting with agomelatine treatment, then after 4 and 8 weeks and finally after 12 weeks of using agomelatine. Potential side effects caused by agomelatine (side effects according AISL databasis– Automatized Information system of Registered Drugs in the Czech republic) were monitored after 12 weeks of treatment with agomelatine.

Results: While treating major depression in seniors with agomelatine, decrease in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI) was evident after 4 weeks of treatment and continued constantly after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Clinical remission was achieved in all studied patients.

Conclusion: Agomelatine proved excellent efficiency in treating severe major depression in seniors with no serious averse effects.