ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of escitalopram and duloxetine in the treatment of depression, and provide evidence-based reference for clinical treatment. METHODS:Retrieved from PubMed, Wanfang database,VIP,CNKI and CBM,randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about escitalopram (trial group) and duloxetine (control group) in the treatment of depression were collected. Meta-analysis was conducted by using Rev Man 5.3 software after data extraction and quality evaluation according to bias risk assessment tool recommended by system evaluator manual 5.3. RESULTS:Finally 25 RCTs were included,involving 2621 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical significance in total response rate between 2 groups after 1,2,4,6,8 weeks of treatment or cure rate between 2 groupsafter 4,6,8 weeks of treatment (P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in total response rate [RR=0.96,95％CI(0.88, 1.05),P=0.42] or cure rate [RR=0.91,95％CI(0.78,1.06),P=0.24] of female patients,as well as total response rate [RR=0.96, 95％CI(0.84,1.11),P=0.61] or cure rate [RR=0.90,95％CI(0.54,1.49),P=0.69] of elderly patients between 2 groups. The incidence of constipation [RR=0.59,95％CI (0.42,0.81),P=0.001],dry mouth [RR=0.65,95％CI(0.51,0.82),P=0.0004], nausea [RR=0.68,95％CI(0.56,0.83),P=0.0002] and decreased appetite [RR=0.74,95％CI(0.55,0.99),P=0.04] in trial group were significantly lower than control group,with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS:The effectiveness of escitalopram is similar to duloxetine in the treatment of depression,but the safety of escitalopram is better than duloxetine.