This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Web of Science (6) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Trick, L. Articles by Hindmarch, I. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Trick, L. Articles by Hindmarch, I. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

A Double-Blind, Randomized, 26-Week Study Comparing the Cognitive and Psychomotor Effects and Efficacy of 75 mg (37.5 mg b.i.d.) Venlafaxine and 75 mg (25 mg Mane, 50 mg Nocte) Dothiepin in Elderly Patients with Moderate Major Depression Being Treated in General Practice

HPRU Medical Research Centre, University of Surrey, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey, UK., l.trick{at}surrey.ac.uk

Neil Stanley

HPRU Medical Research Centre, University of Surrey, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey, UK.

Una Rigney

HPRU Medical Research Centre, University of Surrey, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey, UK.

Ian Hindmarch

HPRU Medical Research Centre, University of Surrey, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey, UK.

To investigate the efficacy and cognitive and psychomotor effects of venlafaxine and dothiepin in elderly patients with moderate major depression. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active comparator controlled study was conducted. Eighty-eight patients (aged 60 years) were enrolled. Each patient received either venlafaxine (immediate release formulation) 37.5 mg twice per day or dothiepin 25 mg mane followed by 50 mg nocte for 26 weeks. Efficacy was assessed with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. A psychometric test battery to assess cognitive function, activities of daily living and sleep consisted of Critical Flicker Fusion (CFF), Short-term Memory - Kim’s Game, Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, Milford Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, and an Accident Scoring Questionnaire. Quality of Life Questionnaires (Short Form 36 and Quality of Life in Depression Scale) were also administered. Venlafaxine significantly (p < 0.05) raised CFF scores compared to baseline but had no effect on any other measure. Dothiepin significantly (p < 0.05) lowered CFF threshold, and increased ratings of both sedation and difficulty in waking. The results showed that venlafaxine at doses of 37.5 mg b.i.d. in elderly depressed patients is free from disruptive effects on cognitive function and psychomotor performance.

Key Words: antidepressant • cognitive function • dothiepin • efficacy • elderly patients • psychomotor performance • venlafaxine

Journal of Psychopharmacology, Vol. 18, No. 2, 205-214 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0269881104042622


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. O. Brooks and J. C. Hoblyn Neurocognitive Costs and Benefits of Psychotropic Medications in Older Adults J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, December 1, 2007; 20(4): 199 - 214. [Abstract] [PDF]