Systematic review of the efficacy of venlafaxine versus fluoxetine in the treatment of depression

Objective To compare the efficacy of venlafaxine and fluoxetine in the treatment of depression.Methods The randomized controlled trials(RCT)comparing the efficacy of venlafaxine and fluoxetine in the treatment of depression were systematically evaluated.Evidence-based medicine research methods were applied and statistical analysis software Revman4.2 was used to Meta-analysis.Results Twenty one studies of RCT met inclusion criteria.Results of Meta-analysis showed that Hamilton Depression Scale(DHAMD)scores were significantly lower in venlafaxine group than in fluoxetine group at 1,2 or 4 weeks after treatment(P0.05)and that there mere no significant differences in HAMD scores between venlafaxine group and fluoxetine group at 6,8,10 or 12 weeks after treatment(P≥0.05).The data on the ultimate recovery rates of venlafaxine group and fluoxetine group after the last course of treatment was analyzed separately for Chinese and foreign publications.In Chinese publications,RR was 1.12,the confidence interval of 95% was [0.99,1.27],indicating no significant difference in the ultimate recovery rates between venlafaxine group and fluoxetine group.In foreign publications,RR was 1.07,the confidence interval of 95% was [0.93,1.21],indicating no significant difference between the ultimate recovery rates of venlafaxine group and fluoxetine group after the last course of treatment from foreign references.Conclusions Both of venlafaxine and fluoxetine has similar long term effects in the treatment of depression and venlafaxine takes effect faster than fluoxetine.