A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY AND SAFETY PROFILE OF ESCITALOPRAM VERSUS VENLAFAXINE/DESVENLAFAXINE IN PATIENTS OF DEPRESSION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background: Depression is a major public health disorder, with antidepressants like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) and Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) improving outcomes for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients. However, determining which category is superior remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety profile of Escitalopram (SSRI) versus Venlafaxine/Desvenlafaxine (SNRIs) in patients of depression. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Outpatient Department (OPD) of Psychiatry; in 120 eligible MDD patients, already taking tablet escitalopram (10-20 mg/day) or venlafaxine (75 – 375 mg/day)/desvenlafaxine (25-100 mg/day) at least for 1 month duration. Therapeutic Efficacy was assessed by HAM-D (Hamilton rating scale for Depression) and CGI (Clinical Global Impressions) Scale. Safety profile was evaluated with the help of ASEC (Anti-Depressant Side Effect Checklist) by assessing the adverse effects experienced by patients. Independent t-test and chi square test were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative variables respectively. Results: Mean (±SD) scores of HAM-D and CGI scales in escitalopram group were significantly higher than venlafaxine/ desvenlafaxine group (p<0.05). Distribution of ASEC scores were comparable between both the studied groups. Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of venlafaxine/desvenlafaxine group was observed to be higher than that of escitalopram group. Additionally, escitalopram demonstrated a lower incidence of adverse effects in terms of safety profile. Further research is needed to validate these findings and guide revisions in current prescription practices for managing moderate to severe depression as first-line therapy.