Open AccessAcceptability of escitalopram versus duloxetine in outpatients with depression who did not respond to initial second‐generation antidepressants: Study protocol for a randomized, parallel‐group, non‐inferiority trial
Author(s) -
Yokoi Yuma,
Nakagawa Atsuo,
Yoshimura Naoki,
Furukawa Toshiaki A.,
Mimura Masaru,
Iwanami Akira,
Abe Takayuki,
Nakagome Kazuyuki
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
neuropsychopharmacology reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.661
H-Index - 13
ISSN - 2574-173X
DOI - 10.1002/npr2.12078
Subject(s) - escitalopram , duloxetine , discontinuation , randomized controlled trial , medicine , depression (economics) , adverse effect , major depressive disorder , antidepressant , psychiatry , major depressive episode , anxiety , mood , alternative medicine , macroeconomics , pathology , economics
Abstract Aim The purpose of this study is to compare acceptability of two second generation antidepressants for major depressive disorder patients who have not responded to the first antidepressant for current episode. We will investigate the treatment discontinuation rate and treatment adherence as well as incidence of adverse events in order to evaluate safety. Methods This is a two‐arm, three‐phased randomized controlled trial in which independent assessors will be blinded while treating psychiatrists and patients remain unblinded to treatment allocation. Patients will be randomized to escitalopram or duloxetine in Step 1 (8 weeks), and when entering Step 2 (8 weeks), the drug will be switched to the other if the first one is not effective at the end of Step 1. The acceptability of the allocated drugs, improvements in depression from baseline, adverse events, and attrition rates will be recorded and assessed for up to 52 weeks, including the follow‐up step. Results It is going to be disseminated via our following reports or presentations. Conclusions This study will provide valuable information for clinicians who encounter patients who failed to respond to their first treatment.