The Efficacy And Tolerability Of Paroxetine In The Treatment Of Depression In Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of Paroxetine in Nigerians with depression.



Methods: Longitudinal recruitment of 76 newly diagnosed patients suffering from major depression (DSM III-R). Patients were treated with Paroxetine 20mg once daily. Assessment was done on day 21 & day 42 of therapy, using the clinical Global Impression scale (CGIS) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD).



Results: Clinical response was achieved by 76.1% of the subjects as defined for the CGIS and 85% using 2 different criteria for the HAMD. Group of symptoms such as core depressive, somatic, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and paranoid symptoms all responded remarkably. Mean HAMD scores on days 0, 21 and 42 were 28.00 +/- 6.65, 7.63 +/-6.35, 3.54 +/-5.18 respectively. Minor self-limiting adverse experiences were reported by 13 individuals for whom treatment was not discontinued.



Conclusion: Paroxetine is efficacious in the management of major depression in Nigeria.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.9, No.3 (1999) pp. 218-222