Clinical drug investigation
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Early non-response in patients with severe depression: escitalopram up-titration versus switch to duloxetine.
Comparative evidence for second-step treatment strategies in severe depression is scarce. Up-titrating a well tolerated selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) versus switching to a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) after initial SSRI non-response are possible treatment options. It is often unclear whether relevant tolerability and efficacy differences exist between SSRI up-titration versus switch to an SNRI. ⋯ Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00384436.
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It has been suggested that peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) may affect up to 3% of the general population. PNP has a substantial negative impact on patient functioning and quality of life, including reduced productivity and increased consumption of healthcare resources. ⋯ These findings suggest that pregabalin could be a valid treatment alternative for the management of patients with gabapentin-refractory peripheral neuropathic pain in primary-care settings under real-life conditions of care. Our data show that patients who were switched to pregabalin, either as monotherapy or in combination with other analgesics, showed substantial and clinically relevant improvements in relieving pain and related symptoms.