Long-term, open-label venlafaxine extended-release treatment in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder.

INTRODUCTION

Because major depressive disorder (MDD) is often chronic and recurrent, even pediatric patients who are treated successfully during an acute episode may need longer-term treatment. Yet, data on long-term treatment with antidepressants in pediatric MDD are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term effectiveness and safety of treatment with venlafaxine extended-release (ER) in children and adolescents with MDD.

METHODS

Subjects (n=86) 7-17 years of age with MDD entered a multicenter, open-label study of flexible-dose venlafaxine ER for 6 weeks of acute treatment, followed by continuation treatment for up to 6 months total treatment. The primary efficacy variable was the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) total score (intent-to-treat population).

RESULTS

Mean CDRS-R total score decreased from 60.1+/-10.0 at baseline to 36.3+/-13.1 at week 6, and to 33.8+/-15.0 at 6 months (last observation carried forward). Among completers (n=36), the mean CDRS-R total score was 24.3+/-7.6 at the end of 6 months of treatment. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were headache (53%), nausea (26%), infection (24%), abdominal pain (22%), vomiting (21%), and pharyngitis (19%). Fifteen (17%) participants discontinued due to adverse events, 9 of whom did so within the first 6 weeks. Serious adverse events (suicide attempt [two], hostility [two], hallucinations, depression, and pharyngitis) occurred in seven patients. There were no suicides.

CONCLUSION

Most improvement with venlafaxine ER occurs during the first 6 weeks of treatment. Prescribers should be alert to signs of suicidal ideation and hostility in pediatric patients.