Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Birkenhäger, T. K. Articles by Moleman, P. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Birkenhäger, T. K. Articles by Moleman, P. Depression Antidepressants Lithium

Comparison of Two-Phase Treatment With Imipramine or Fluvoxamine, Both Followed by Lithium Addition, in Inpatients With Major Depressive Disorder

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the efficacy of two two-phase pharmacological treatment strategies for inpatients with DSM-IV major depressive disorder. METHOD: During phase I, patients participated in a double-blind study of the effects of imipramine versus fluvoxamine, with final evaluation of response 4 weeks after patients attained the target plasma level. In phase II, for patients without treatment response or with partial response in phase I, lithium was added to imipramine or fluvoxamine. Final evaluation of response was made 3 weeks after the patients attained the target plasma level of lithium (0.6–1.0 mmol/liter). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. At the end of phase I, remission, defined as a final Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score 7, was achieved by 16 (23%) of 70 imipramine-treated patients and 10 (15%) of 68 fluvoxamine-treated patients. At the end of phase II, 41 (59%) of 70 imipramine-treated patients versus 27 (40%) of 68 fluvoxamine-treated patients qualified for remission, a significant difference in favor of the imipramine strategy. Only a small minority of both groups received concomitant medication. In both phase I and phase II, the discontinuation rate was low (5% and 10%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Imipramine with subsequent lithium addition is superior to a similar strategy with fluvoxamine for treatment of severely depressed inpatients. Both strategies were well tolerated.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. VALENSTEIN, J. F. McCARTHY, K. L. AUSTIN, J. F. GREDEN, E. A. YOUNG, and F. C. BLOW Dr. Valenstein and Colleagues Reply Am J Psychiatry, December 1, 2006; 163(12): 2197 - 2197. [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. A. Nierenberg, M. Fava, M. H. Trivedi, S. R. Wisniewski, M. E. Thase, P. J. McGrath, J. E. Alpert, D. Warden, J. F. Luther, G. Niederehe, et al. A Comparison of Lithium and T3 Augmentation Following Two Failed Medication Treatments for Depression: A STAR*D Report Am J Psychiatry, September 1, 2006; 163(9): 1519 - 1530. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Valenstein, J. F. McCarthy, K. L. Austin, J. F. Greden, E. A. Young, and F. C. Blow What Happened to Lithium? Antidepressant Augmentation in Clinical Settings Am J Psychiatry, July 1, 2006; 163(7): 1219 - 1225. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us