Title: Comparison of relapse rates after Escitalopram and Milnacipran continuation treatment in patients of major depression

Authors: Dr Meghna Shinde, Dr Pankaj Shinde

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i3.219

Abstract

Background: Depression is a chronic relapsing and recurring disorder. Relapse rate are about 50% in people with depression previously treated adequately by the antidepressant. Our study aims to compare the relapse rates in patients treated with Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and milnacipran, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

Method: Our study aims to compare the relapse rate after Escitalopram and Milnacipran continuation treatment. Out patients of Psychiatry diagnosed with depression were assigned to receive acute phase treatment with either Escitalopram or Milnacipran for a duration of 8week.Remmiters in both the group then received continuation treatment with the same drugs for a period of  20weeks .Then the patients were followed up for a total of 12 months from the start of therapy. The relapse rate in both the group were compared.

Conclusion: Relapse rates among patients in both the groups were found to be comparable in our study

Keywords- SSRI, SNRI, Escitalopram, Milnacipran, relapse, remission.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Pankaj Shinde

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