Comparison of efficacy and tolerability between sertraline and fluoxetine in patients with major depression

ABSTRACT

Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability between Sertraline and Fluoxetine to determine suitable treatment of major depression in Pakistani population. This study was conducted in the outpatients department of psychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate depressive disorder were selected. Two groups A1 and A2 were made of 50 patients each. Group A1 received Tab Sertraline while Group A2 received Cap Fluoxetine daily for 24 weeks after going through screening tests and diagnostic evaluation. Efficacy was evaluated by using 21 item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS] and 20 item Self Reporting Questionnaire [SRQ]. The patients were asked to attend the OPD every 15 days. Side effects and compliance of the patients was noted at each visit. The results showed that both groups showed significant improvement in depression from week 0 to week 24 with minimal adverse effects. Compliance of the patients in both groups was good. Although HDRS and SRQ scores were significantly reduced in both groups, it was noted that Tab Sertraline improved the symptoms earlier than Cap Fluoxetine. It can be concluded that both sertraline and fluoxetine are efficacious in major depression causing few adverse effects but because sertraline improves symptoms earlier and it is cost effective it may be preferred to fluoxetine