Escitalopram versus venlafaxine sustained-release agents in treatment of elderly patients with post-stroke depression

Abstract

Objective To study the clinical values of escitalopram and venlafaxine sustained-release agents for elderly patients with post-stroke depression. Methods 80 elderly patients with post-stroke depression were divided intogroupⅠand groupⅡ by randomized non-blind method. GroupⅠwere treated with venlafaxine sustained-release agents and group II with escitalopram. The results of HAMD evaluation and the occurrence of adverse reactions were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results There were no statistical differences in the HAMD scores between the two groups before and 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment (all P> 0.05). 1 and 2 weeks after the treatment, the HAMD scores were significant lower in groupⅡthan in groupⅠ, with statitical differences (allP<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was lower in groupⅡthan in groupⅠ(P<0.05). Conclusion Escitalopram and venlafaxine sustained-release agents both have antidepressant effect, but the former has quicker effect and is safer, so it is more suitable as a recommended drug for the treatment of post-stroke depression in the elderly. Key words: Stroke; Depression; Escitalopram; Venlafaxine sustained release agents; Clinical value