Comprehensive Analysis of Remission (COMPARE) with Venlafaxine versus SSRIs

Abstract

Background: To compare venlafaxine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and citalopram) in the treatment of depression. Methods and Materials: Meta-analysis of 34 randomized, double-blind studies identified by a worldwide search of all research sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals through January 2007. Patients were treated with venlafaxine (n = 4191; mean dose 151 mg/day) or SSRIs (n = 3621); nine studies also included a placebo control group (n = 932). The primary outcome measure was intent-to-treat (ITT) remission rates (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ≤7) at week 8. Results: The overall difference in ITT remission rates was 5.9% favoring venlafaxine (95% confidence interval [CI]: .038-.081; p