Comparative study of efficacy of paroxetine hydrochloride tablets and venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release tablets on treatment of patients with first-episode depression

Wang Zhiqing; Zhang Sisi; Du Juan; Qiu Hongyan; Peng Chaoming; Han Min

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-8157.2025.03.012

Abstract：Objective To compare the effects of paroxetine hydrochloride tablets and venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-re-lease tablets on treatment of patients with first-episode depression.Methods A total of 97 patients with first-episode depression who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College·Nuclear Industry 416 Hospital from April 2022 to January 2024 were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into the venlafaxine group(n=48)and the paroxetine group(n=49).The paroxetine group was orally given paroxetine hydrochloride tablets,while the venlafaxine group was treated with oral admin-istration of venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release tablets.The level of depression(Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale(MADRS)),cognitive function(digital symbol substitution test(DSST)),sleep quality(Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)),quality of life(Spitzer quality of life index(SQLI))and central neurotransmitter indicators(dopamine(DA),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),cortisol(COR))were observed and compared between the two groups before the treatment and after the treatment for 8 weeks,and the incidence rates of adverse reactions during the treatment period were observed.Results The MADRS score,PSQI score and COR level of the two groups were lower after the treatment for 8 weeks than before the treatment;the values of the above index-es of the venlafaxine group were respectively(19.05±3.08)points,(7.38±1.36)points and(78.62±13.25)μg·L-1,lower than(23.11±3.24)points,(8.84±1.49)points and(92.49±15.84)μg·L-1 of the paroxetine group(t=6.323,5.037,4.673,all P<0.05).The DSST score,SQLI score,DA level and 5-HT level of the two groups were higher after the treatment for 8 weeks than before the treatment;the val-ues of the above indexes of the venlafaxine group were respectively(82.46±12.29)points,(8.92±2.22)points,(76.22±8.62)ng·L-1 and(38.81±5.34)μg·L-1,higher than(75.42±11.59)points,(7.27±2.05)points,(69.53±8.15)ng·L-1 and(32.21±5.02)μg·L-1 of the par-oxetine group,and there was significant difference between the two groups(t=2.903,3.804,3.928,6.273,all P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of adverse reactions between the two groups during the treatment period(27.08%vs 42.86%,χ2=2.650,P=0.103).Conclusion Venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release tablets show more remarkable effect on treatment of the patients with first-episode depression than paroxetine hydrochloride tablets,and the former can improve the sleep quality and quality of life of patients,demonstrating a more significant regulation effect on central neurotransmitters.