Desvenlafaxine: Another “Me Too” Drug?

2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (10) ◽  
pp. 1439-1446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Sopko ◽  
Megan J Ehret ◽  
Marina Grgas

Objective: To compare desvenlafaxine with its parent drug, venlafaxine, to determine the usefulness of this new medication. Data Sources: Information was obtained through a MEDLINE search (1966-June 2008) and from published abstracts. Search terms included desvenlafaxine, O-desmethyIvenlafaxine, Pristiq, major depressive disorder, and venlafaxine. STUDY selection and data extraction: All English-language studies and abstracts pertaining to desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine were considered for inclusion. Preference was given to human data. Data Synthesis: Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is the active metabolite of the antidepressant venlafaxine. The recommended dose is 50 mg daily, based on the efficacy and safety data of 50, 100,150,200, and 400 mg of desvenlafaxine. The response and remission rates of depression at 8 weeks for the 50-mg dose are 51 -63% and 31-45%, respectively. These rates are comparable with those seen with venlafaxine (58% and 45%, respectively). Adverse effects are also similar to those of venlafaxine, with the most common being insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, and nausea. The decreased potential of CYP2D6 activity with desvenlafaxine compared with the parent drug may be a potential advantage in patients on other medications metabolized via this enzymatic pathway. Also, desvenlafaxine tablets are less expensive than extended-release (XR) venlafaxine, which may decrease healthcare costs in the short term. However, venlafaxine XR is expected to go off patent in 2010. Conclusions: With the overall similarity between these 2 drugs and the potential lack of cost savings, the need for desvenlafaxine and its ultimate utility in treating major depressive disorder appears to be insignificant.

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-100
Author(s):  
Nathan Roe ◽  
Catherine Passariello ◽  
Lisa Brown ◽  
James Li ◽  
Michael Jablonski ◽  
...  

AbstractMental illness is one of the leading causes of disability, with direct and indirect costs posing a significant financial burden. Previously, a large prospective economic utility study (n>13,000) showed that the GeneSight® test, a psychiatric pharmacogenomic decision support tool powered by CPGx® technology, reduced medication costs, increased adherence, andreduced polypharmacy for patients who had failed monotherapy for psychiatric disorders. The current study, which is a sub-analysis of this larger study, assessed cost savings associated with combinatorial pharmacogenomic testing in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Medication costs were extracted using pharmacy claims data provided by Medco, a large pharmacy benefits manager, for patients with GAD (n=318) and MDD (n=459). Medication cost savings per member per year (PMPY) for 1 year following the test were compared between patients whose medication regimens were congruent with the test recommendations and those whose medication regimens were incongruent with these recommendations. When healthcare providers’ decisions were congruent with combinatorial pharmacogenomic testing, PMPY savings was $6,747 (p<0.004) for GAD patients and $3,738 (p<0.004) for MDD patients versus incongruent decisions within these disease states. Among the congruent group, GAD patients experienced greater savings in central nervous system (CNS) medications (2-fold) compared to MDD patients. Additionally, analysis of a subset of patients prescribed at least one benzodiazepine six months prior to testing (n=660) demonstrated a significant decrease in benzodiazepine drug counts (p<0.001) and refills (p<0.001) after testing. Using the GeneSight test as a treatment decision support tool for patients with GAD or MDD resulted in significant medication cost savings when HCPs made congruent decisions with the combinatorialpharmacogenomic results. Furthermore, use of the GeneSight test decreased the use of benzodiazepines.Funding AcknowledgementsResearch was funded by Assurex Health, Inc.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuji Zhan ◽  
◽  
Mengxin Rui ◽  
Wenfeng Zeng ◽  
Yunxia Wang

Review question / Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of escitalopram and agomelatine in the major depressive disorder. Condition being studied: Major depressive disorder (MDD), is one of the most common, costly, and disabling mental health conditions worldwide, with an estimated 246 million sufferers globally in 2020.At present, there is a great demand for effective antidepressant treatment in medicine. Information sources: We will search, with no time restrictions, the following databases for relevant English language literature: PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. The search string will be built as follows: (escitalopram) AND (agomelatine) AND (major depressed disorder).


2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1660-1668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon A Brown ◽  
Pranish P Kantesaria ◽  
Lisa M McDevitt

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of fingolimod, a novel immune modulator. Data Sources: Information was obtained through a MEDLINE search (1966–February 2007) and from published abstracts. Search terms included fingolimod, FTY720, FTY-720, and sphlngosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language studies and abstracts pertaining to fingolimod were considered for inclusion. Preference was given to human data. Data Synthesis: Fingolimod Is the first in a new class of immune modulators known as the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonists. It is administered orally once dairy and causes a dose-related reduction in the number ot circulating lymphocytes by preventing their egress from secondary lymph organs, but it does not alter T-cell activation or proliferation. Bradycardia and lymphopenia are the most common adverse effects. Clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of fingolimod in renal transplantation and multiple sclerosis (MS). Further research for renal transplantation will not take place, but Phase 3 studies in MS are underway, as Phase 2 study results are favorable. Conclusions: Due to its distinct mechanism of action and its oral administration, fingolimod may be a useful therapeutic option for patients with relapsing forms of MS. More data are needed to assess the safety and clinical utility of fingolimod.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Elsner ◽  
Jillian H Broadbear ◽  
Sathya Rao

Objective: The objective of this study was to review the clinical significance of the experience of chronic emptiness in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE and PubMed, employing search terms including ‘emptiness’, ‘personality disorder’ and ‘borderline personality disorder’. The most relevant English-language articles and books were selected for this review. Results: Published literature and clinical experience suggest that chronic emptiness represents a substantial component of the symptom burden experienced by people with BPD, contributes to functional impairment and may distinguish BPD from other disorders such as major depressive disorder. Conclusions: Further research will elucidate the significance of chronic emptiness with regard to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of BPD.


2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 1759-1766
Author(s):  
James S Kalus ◽  
C Michael White

OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy and safety data of amlodipine and the angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), focusing on heart failure, angina, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and renal protection. DATA SOURCE: A MEDLINE search (1966–December 2001) was completed using amlodipine, angiotensin-receptor antagonist, losartan, valsartan, candesartan, and telmisartan as key words. English-language articles were identified and included. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All identified articles were evaluated. Articles representative of the subject matter of our review were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Amlodipine and the ARBs lower blood pressure to a similar extent. Amlodipine is an effective antianginal agent, whereas ARBs are not. However, amlodipine is not effective in the treatment of heart failure; ARBs may be useful in this setting. ARBs are also effective in preserving renal function and may provide some protection from restenosis in patients who have had a PCI. The ARBs may also be useful in preventing both diabetic and nondiabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant disease states should be considered when choosing between an ARB and amlodipine for the management of hypertension.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Jie Zhao ◽  
Yu Jin ◽  
Wen-Wang Rao ◽  
Qing-E Zhang ◽  
Ling Zhang ◽  
...  

Background: Prevalence estimates of major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults in China have varied widely between studies. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of MDD in the Chinese population was estimated from published epidemiological studies and potential moderators that account for variability in estimates were assessed.Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), and WanFang databases to identify relevant studies. Data analyses were conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 2.0.Results: Forty studies comprising 1,024,087 subjects were included. The pooled point, 12-month, and lifetime prevalence rates of MDD in China were 1.1% (95% CI: 0.9–1.4%), 1.6% (95% CI: 1.0–2.5%), and 1.8% (95% CI: 1.5–2.2%), respectively. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed gender, marital status, survey year, being published in English language, use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic systems and age as significant moderators of MDD prevalence.Conclusion: The overall prevalence of MDD in the Chinese population appears to be lower than that of most countries, but the rates have been increasing over time and are elevated in particular demographic subgroups. Due to the negative consequences of MDD, effective preventive measures, early identification, and timely treatments are still important and should be offered to those in need.


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