[Paroxetine in the treatment of depression in geriatric patients--a double-blind comparative study with fluoxetine]

A 6-week double-blind, parallel group study compared paroxetine and fluoxetine in 106 depressed geriatric inpatients (aged 65 to 85 years). Patients presenting acutely with major depressive episode DSM-III-R 296.2 (HAMD > 18 on 21 item scale) were randomized to receive paroxetine (20-40 mg, n = 54) or fluoxetine (20-60 mg, n = 52) following a 3-7 day washout. Primary criteria was the reduction of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Score (HAMD). Furthermore Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) were used. Cognitive functions were assessed with the Mini-Mental-State Examination (MMSE) and the Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric Scale (SCAG). The results showed a comparable reduction in the depression rating scales between the two treatment groups after 6 weeks. However, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in HAMD, MADRS, SCAG, MMSE and cognitive subscales of HAMD and SCAG at week 3 in favour of paroxetine, which even was seen after 6 weeks in the SCAG. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups and the number of adverse events reported or in overall tolerability.