Venlafaxine efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of post-stroke depression.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of venlafaxine in treatment of post-stroke depression.

METHODS: The sample consisted of 30 adult subjects with symptoms of post-stroke depression. All subjects received treatment with venlafaxine in therapeutic dose range in the period of three months. All subjects were assessed prior to treatment and in 1 month-follow-up and 3 months follow-up using the standardized instruments for assessment of depressive symptoms (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale HAM-D-21), and for efficacy and tolerability with the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI). All subjects signed an informed consent form prior to entering in the study.

RESULTS: The results indicate a statistically significant reduction of depressive symptoms following three months of treatment with venlafaxine. The difference between three assessments with The Clinical Global Impressions scale was statistically significant. Unwanted effects were registered in two of the subjects (increased blood pressure) and they were of mild intensity.

CONCLUSIONS: Venlafaxine proved to be very efficient, well tolerated and safe in the treatment of depression occurring after cerebrovascular incidents to the subjects in this study.