Venlafaxine in the treatment of depression in schizophrenia; [Şizofrenide depresyonun venlafaksinle saǧaltimi]

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2006

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Abstract

Objective: Depression in schizophrenia is associated with a poor outcome, an increased risk of relapse and a high rate of suicide therefore it must be treated carefully. Venlafaxine is a dual-action serotonin and noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor and is effective in treating depressive patients. Method: In this study the efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine is evaluated in 8 schizophrenic patients with depression who used venlafaxine adjunctive to atypical antipsychotics. Results: The patients were assessed with Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Scale for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms (SAPS and SANS) at the beginning, 4th week and 8th week. At the end of 8th week of treatment, 2 patients were fully remitted, the other 4 patients showed 80-90% improvement. Total SAPS scores dropped 2 points whereas SANS scores were dropped by 25%. No patients had an adverse event leading to an intervention. Conclusion: Venlafaxine may be an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of depression in schizophrenia.

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atypical antipsychotic agent , venlafaxine , absence of side effects , article , clinical article , controlled study , depression , disease association , drug efficacy , human , patient assessment , prognosis , relapse , risk , schizophrenia , scoring system , suicide , symptomatology

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http://akademikarsiv.cbu.edu.tr:4000/handle/123456789/19472

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