A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED OPEN LABEL COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ESCITALOPRAM VERSUS SERTRALINE IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr.Sharmi.V.J; Dr.K.Vijayarani

Volume : VII, Issue : IX, September - 2018

A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED OPEN LABEL COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ESCITALOPRAM VERSUS SERTRALINE IN MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr. Sharmi. V. J, Dr. K. Vijayarani

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common mental illness affecting people irrespective of sects or area. Recent hike in incidence mandates the requirement of research in this disorder to find out the best possible treatment option among the antidepressant drugs with minimal side effects to ensure compliance to avoid the consequence of impaired quality of life and poor treatment schedules many times culminating in suicides. Aim: To compare efficacy and safety of Escitalopram and Sertraline in major depressive disorder. Materials and Method: 120 patients recruited, randomized to receive Escitalopramor Sertralinefor 12 weeks . Hamilton depression rating scale at baseline, 12 weeks as a measure of efficacy.Safety assessedby adverse drug reaction reported and laboratory parameters.Results:Reduction of mean HAM–D score from 20.77 at baseline to 8.75 with Escitalopram, 20.96 to 8.65 with Sertraline. Statistically significant HAM–D score reduction within groups, but not between groups. Statistically significant (P=0.007) adverse reactions to sertraline than escitalopram. Conclusion:Both Escitalopram and Sertraline appropriate as first line drugs for MDD.Escitalopram was better tolerated .