Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
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J Clin Psychopharmacol · Feb 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialRelapse prevention with gepirone ER in outpatients with major depression.
To evaluate long-term efficacy and tolerability of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist, gepirone extended release (ER), a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled relapse prevention study was performed in patients with recurrent major depression (DSM-IV criteria). Patients 18 to 70 years, with a primary diagnosis of recurrent major depression (DSM-IV; 296.3) and a screening and baseline HAMD-17 total score >/=20 were eligible. After a 3- to 14-day (dependent on pretrial medication) single-blind placebo washout period, eligible patients entered an 8- or 12-week (depending on time to remission) open-label gepirone ER treatment period. ⋯ All adverse events occurred in less than 5% of patients with the exception of flu syndrome and headache. In conclusion, gepirone ER at a dose range of 40 to 80 mg/d is effective for relapse prevention in patients with recurrent major depression. It is well tolerated during long-term treatment for up to approximately one year.