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Call For Longer-term Use Of Antidepressants (p 653)
February 19, 2003Authors of a UK study in this week's issue of THE LANCET highlight how longer-term use of antidepressants-by a year or more in addition to standard 4-6 month treatment-could substantially reduce the risk of relapse for people with depressive disorders.
Depression is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Short-term and medium-term therapy with antidepressants (usually four to six months) is often effective in alleviating depressive symptoms; however the long-term nature of many depressive disorders and the risk of many people to relapse after treatment begs the question: how long should antidepressants be taken?
John Geddes and colleagues from the University of Oxford, UK, pooled data from 31 randomised trials which included around 4400 patients. All participants in the trials had already received treatment for acute depressive disorders and were randomised to receive continuous treatment with antidepressants or placebo.
Treatment for one or two years with antidepressants substantially reduced the likelihood of relapse compared with those who discontinued active treatment. The average rate of relapse on placebo was around double that of treatment-41% compared with 18%. The proportional reduction in risk of depressive relapse was generally independent of the underlying risk of relapse, the duration of treatment before randomisation, or the duration of short-term and medium-term therapy.
Co-author Guy Goodwin comments: "Few other interventions in psychiatry are supported by such robust findings, based on more than 4000 patients in randomised trials. We know that many patients remain at appreciable risk of recurrence after 4-6 months of treatment with antidepressants, and another one or two years of continuation treatment will approximately halve their risk of another episode. In other words, the positive benefits of antidepressants do not wear off over time. Many patients who do exceptionally well may elect to take such medicines indefinitely rather than increase the risk of further illnesses by stopping. "
Lancet
Treatment for one or two years with antidepressants substantially reduced the likelihood of relapse compared with those who discontinued active treatment. The average rate of relapse on placebo was around double that of treatment-41% compared with 18%. The proportional reduction in risk of depressive relapse was generally independent of the underlying risk of relapse, the duration of treatment before randomisation, or the duration of short-term and medium-term therapy.
Co-author Guy Goodwin comments: "Few other interventions in psychiatry are supported by such robust findings, based on more than 4000 patients in randomised trials. We know that many patients remain at appreciable risk of recurrence after 4-6 months of treatment with antidepressants, and another one or two years of continuation treatment will approximately halve their risk of another episode. In other words, the positive benefits of antidepressants do not wear off over time. Many patients who do exceptionally well may elect to take such medicines indefinitely rather than increase the risk of further illnesses by stopping. "
Lancet
Antidepressants Current Events and Antidepressants News RSSMen leave: Separation and divorce far more common when the wife is the patient
A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called "partner abandonment." The study also found that the longer the marriage the more likely it would remain intact.
Hunting for the Prozac Gene
Prozac works wonders for some depressed people, but not for others. In some cases, patients derive little benefit and at worst, it can lead to bizarre hallucinations and fits of rage.
Why antidepressants don't work for so many
More than half the people who take antidepressants for depression never get relief.
Study reveals an increase in long-term antidepressant drug use
A dramatic rise in antidepressant prescriptions issued by GPs has been caused by a year on year increase in the number of people taking antidepressant drugs on a long-term basis, according to researchers from the University of Southampton.
Popular antidepressant associated with a dramatic increase in suicidal thoughts amongst men
Nortriptyline has been found to cause a ten-fold increase in suicidal thoughts in men when compared to its competitor escitalopram. These findings are published in the open access journal BMC Medicine.
Antidepressant and placebo are equally effective in child pain relief
When used "off-label," the antidepressant amitriptyline works just as well as placebo in treating pain-predominant gastrointestinal disorders in children, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.
Antidepressants: benefit of SNRI is proven
The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) was commissioned by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) to investigate whether patients with depression benefit from taking drugs belonging to the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drug class.
Worth the effort? Not if you're depressed
New research indicates that decreased cravings for pleasure may be at the root of a core symptom of major depressive disorder. The research is in contrast to the long-held notion that those suffering from depression lack the ability to enjoy rewards, rather than the desire to seek them.
Almost 1 quarter of Spanish women take antidepressants
Psychopharmaceutical use has risen over recent years. This is fact, but what is not clear is the reason why.
Antidepressants aid electroconvulsive therapy in treating severe depression
Combining antidepressant drugs with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) does a better job of reducing symptoms of severe depression and causes less memory loss than using ECT alone.
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Nature Made RX Essentials Anti-Depressants Tablets, 60-Count Tablets by Nature Made Daily Supplement. Tailored to your prescription. Take with: Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac, Effexor XR. Provides essential nutrients for people taking antidepressant medication. No artificial flavors. No preservatives. No yeast or gluten. Your prescription drugs are important to your health and will function without this product. RX Essentials are not intended to replace your prescription drugs. However, people taking antidepressents such as SSRIs and SNRIs may benefit from supplementation with the essential nutrients in this product. If you take prescriptions, take RX Essentials. People taking prescription medications may be more likely to have reduced levels of certain nutrients, low nutrient levels may lead to problems down the road. That's why Nature Made examined numerous clinical studies... |
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Orange Blossom - PURE Incense NEW to Amazon! Burns twice as long as other incense - CORELESS!! nothing to provoke allergies (25-30 sticks) Orange Blossom is a fresh fruity citrus - a natural antidepressant. by PURE Incense Orange Blossom (Citrus and Fresh) Bursting juices of orange come to life with energetic splashes of sweet and juicy true orange zest. Blooming petals of orange flower fragrantly embrace this beautiful creation, giving it depth and complexity, a radiant heady floral. This sun-kissed delight is a combination of fruity citrus adding a tangy aroma to the air. Pure Incense blends its Orange Blossom incense with oil pressed from the skin of the orange fruit. It transports us to the fragrance of an orange grove, with a thick, citrus flavor hanging in the air. This exquisite sensual fragrance of orange blossom is deeply relaxing to the mind, helping to dispel anxiety, increase confidence and create a joyful environment. Orange Blossom is cheering, refreshing, and uplifting, a natural... |
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