Quetiapine Adjunct to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or Venlafaxine in Patients With Major Depression, Comorbid Anxiety, and Residual Depressive Symptoms: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the efficacy & tolerability of quetiapine in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/venlafaxine in 58 patients with major depressive disorder, comorbid anxiety symptoms, & residual depressive symptoms. Significant differences from baseline to Week 8 of treatment were observed between groups in 7 of 17 Hamilton Depression Scale items, including feelings of guilt & suicide. Quetiapine was shown to be an effective augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/venlafaxine therapy in these patients. Further studies are warranted. (40 refs.)