Catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype as modifier of superior responses to venlafaxine treatment in major depressive disorder

Abstract

Responses to venlafaxine treatment in major depressive disorder were stratified by COMT genotypes (Val158Met, rs4680) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Improvements in depression scores among subjects with Val/Val genotypes were larger than those in Met/Met genotypes, suggesting that venlafaxine may alter noradrenergic flux differentially according to COMT activity. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.