Article
Addition of benzodiazepines to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to optimize the treatment of depression: a hospital based study
Background:
Depression is a common mood disorder with various symptoms
Antidepressants like escitalopram are frequently used but limited due to delayed effects
Adding benzodiazepines with antidepressants provides relief, even the benefits are unclear
Assessment
63 patients with moderate to severe depression were divided into two groups: escitalopram alone or escitalopram with benzodiazepines.
Clinical progress was measured using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
Reductions below MADRS score <12 indicated remission, while a 50% reduction from baseline marked response.
Result:
In 51 patients that were analyzed, addition of benzodiazepines to escitalopram significantly increased the response and remission rates compared to escitalopram alone.
The combination therapy was well-tolerated, with no significant adverse effects reported.
In summary, Benzodiazepines as add on therapy to antidepressants act more effectively in management of depression associated anxiety and sleep disturbances..
Reference:
Dar SA, Bhat BA, Jan MM. Addition of benzodiazepines to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to optimize treatment of depression: a hospital based study. Int J Res Med Sci, 2018;6(6), 2081–2085.
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