Efficacy and Safety of Venlafaxine ER vs. Amitriptyline ER in Patients With Major Depression of Moderate Severity

A double-blind, randomized phase-III study was conducted with the aim to compare the efficacy & safety of venlafaxine ER (extended release) with that of amitriptyline ER in moderately depressed outpatients. In the process, suicidality was assessed. The authors found that venlafaxine ER was not inferior compared to amitriptyline ER with respect to the chosen efficacy parameter. Venlafaxine ER also showed a more favourable safety profile than amitriptyline ER. (28 refs)