-
CNS Spectrums Apr 2021Despite the prevalence of antidepressant-related sexual side effects, comparisons of treatments for these problematic side effects are lacking.
Pharmacologic interventions for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of trials using the Arizona sexual experience scale.
BACKGROUND
Despite the prevalence of antidepressant-related sexual side effects, comparisons of treatments for these problematic side effects are lacking.
METHODS
To address this, we performed a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare interventions for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in adults. Using PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov, we identified published and unpublished prospective treatment trials from 1985 to September 2020 (primary outcome: the Arizona sexual experience scale [ASEX] score). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.
RESULTS
We identified 57 citations (27 randomized controlled trials, 66 treatment arms, 27 open-label trials, and 3 crossover trials) that evaluated 33 interventions (3108 patients). In the systematic review, 44% (25/57) of trials reported successful interventions; this was more common in open-label (70%, 19/27) compared to placebo-controlled studies (22%, 6/27). In the meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies that used the ASEX (N = 8), pycnogenol was superior to placebo (standardized mean difference: -1.8, 95% credible interval [CrI]: [-3.7 to 0.0]) and there was evidence that, at a 6% threshold, sildenafil improved sexual dysfunction (standardized mean difference: -1.2, 95% CrI [-2.5 to 0.1]). In the meta-analysis including single-arm studies (15 studies), treatment response was more common with sildenafil, tianeptine, maca, tiagabine, and mirtazapine compared to placebo, but these differences failed to reach statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS
While heterogeneity across randomized controlled trials complicates identifying the single best intervention, multiple trials suggest that sildenafil ameliorates antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. More randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the putative efficacy of other interventions.
PubMed: 33843553
DOI: 10.1017/S1092852921000377 -
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford,... Aug 2021Depression is considered as one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Prescription of antidepressants is a current... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Depression is considered as one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Prescription of antidepressants is a current clinical practice well-established as the first-line treatment for such patients. Our study was aimed at systematically examining the evidence on the efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of depression in AD patients.
METHODS
We conducted a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials retrieved by systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and CNKI databases. Primary outcomes included mean depression score and safety. Secondary outcomes were cognition. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve was performed to estimate a ranking probability for different treatments.
RESULTS
A total of 25 studies including 14 medications met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, only mirtazapine (standard mean deviation [SMD], -1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.53 to -0.36; < 0.05) and sertraline (SMD, -1.16; 95% CI, -2.17 to -0.15; < 0.05) showed a slightly better effect in treating symptoms of depression. Clomipramine increased risk of adverse events than placebo (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.45 to 4.57; < 0.05). In terms of cognitive function, there was no statistically significant difference between antidepressants and placebo.
CONCLUSION
Overall, in the short-term treatment, these data suggest that commonly used antidepressants sertraline and mirtazapine should be considered as an alternative treatment for depression in AD patients. However, more high-quality trials with large samples and longer following-up are proposed.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Antidepressive Agents; Cognition; Depression; Humans; Mirtazapine; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sertraline
PubMed: 34238048
DOI: 10.1177/02698811211030181 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Aug 2019Pharmacotherapy represents a desirable potential therapeutic alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We aimed to summarize evidence on the efficacy...
Pharmacotherapy represents a desirable potential therapeutic alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We aimed to summarize evidence on the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in adults with OSA and delineate the underlying mechanisms. Seven databases were systematically screened for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to September 2018. According to a pre-registered study protocol (PROSPERO-ID-CRD42018086446) network meta-analysis was performed to obtain intervention effects on the apnoea-hypopnoea-index (AHI) based on data extracted from published reports. We identified 58 RCTs (n = 1710 patients) investigating 44 different drugs or drug-combinations. Interventions were classified into seven pathomechanism-groups and summarized narratively. A meta-analysis of 17 trials for seven drugs (acetazolamide, donepezil, mirtazapine, ondansetron, paroxetine, protriptyline, theophylline) indicated a small effect for acetazolamide (mean difference in AHI -9.6/h [-17.7; -1.4]; p = 0.02). In the network meta-analysis (I = 50%) nine drugs (tramazoline, liraglutide, spironolactone/furosemide, acetazolamide, dronabinol, zonisamide, phentermine, spironolactone, and ondansetron/fluoxetine) significantly lowered the AHI compared to placebo. Although some trials indicate favorable outcomes, these results are only valid for distinctive OSA-phenotypes or were not clinically significant. The effect sizes were small, the majority of trials were not adequately powered. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend any pharmacotherapy for OSA and no phase-III trials are available.
Topics: Adult; Drug Therapy; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 31075665
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2019.04.009 -
Maturitas Nov 2019Insomnia, vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and depression often co-occur after the menopause, with consequent health problems and reductions in quality of life. The aim of this...
Insomnia, vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and depression often co-occur after the menopause, with consequent health problems and reductions in quality of life. The aim of this position statement is to provide evidence-based advice on the management of postmenopausal sleep disorders derived from a systematic review of the literature. The latter yielded results on VMS, insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Overall, the studies show that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) improves VMS, insomnia, and mood. Several antidepressants can improve insomnia, either on their own or in association with MHT; these include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and mirtazapine. Long-term benefits for postmenopausal insomnia may also be achieved with non-drug strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and aerobic exercise. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) both reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels in postmenopausal women suffering from OSA. However, the data regarding MHT on postmenopausal restless legs syndrome are conflicting.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Depression; Exercise; Female; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Menopause; Mirtazapine; Quality of Life; Restless Legs Syndrome; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors; Sleep; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 31547910
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.08.006 -
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 2019This review examined the current literature about the potential relationship between the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and neonatal seizures.
PURPOSE
This review examined the current literature about the potential relationship between the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and neonatal seizures.
METHODS
PubMed was searched for English language reports published between January 1, 1996, and October 31, 2018, by using combinations of the following key words: pregnancy, neonatal outcome, neonatal convulsion, neonatal seizure, SSRI, selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), antidepressants, sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, mirtazapine, duloxetine, bupropion, amitriptyline, imipramine, and clomipramine.
FINDINGS
A total of 9 relevant studies that met the review criteria were examined. The prevalence rates of neonatal seizures in the antidepressant groups and control groups were 0.30% to 0.91% and 0.10% to 0.30%, respectively. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was associated with up to 5-fold increase in the risk of neonatal seizures. Compared with the controls, higher risks were reported in newborns of pregnant women using any antidepressant or tricyclic antidepressants albeit in a limited number of studies. Exposure to antidepressants in the third trimester of pregnancy appeared to be associated more with neonatal seizures compared with earlier exposure.
IMPLICATONS
Although an increased risk of neonatal seizures in newborns antenatally exposed to antidepressants especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be suggested, the available studies have severe methodological limitations to enable any firm conclusion.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Trimesters; Prevalence; Seizures
PubMed: 31425466
DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001093 -
Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung Jun 2020To establish the efficacy of oral antidepressants compared to placebo in improving obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as measured on a polysomnography study. Secondary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To establish the efficacy of oral antidepressants compared to placebo in improving obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as measured on a polysomnography study. Secondary outcomes included self-reported sleepiness.
METHODS
Authors identified prospective randomized placebo-controlled studies from MEDLINE through PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE up to February 2019 in English language. Antidepressants included tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), tetracyclic antidepressants (TeCA), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and serotonin receptor modulators (SRM). Studies were assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as risk of bias based on the Cochrane handbook.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 254 unduplicated references ultimately reduced to 8 relevant studies, in which 198 OSA participants were included. Patients with an average baseline AHI of 26.7 events/hour taking 15-45mg mirtazapine had a statistically significant reduction in apnea-hypopnea index compared to placebo by -10.5 events/hour (p<0.001), apnea index by -3.6 events/hour (p=0.001) and hypopnea index by -5.9 events/hour (p=0.037). In one study, patients taking 100mg trazodone 1 night improved significantly in AHI compared to placebo group (p<0.001). Arousal index, sleepiness, and sleep efficiency were not statistically significantly reduced with any antidepressant medication compared to placebo (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Of the five antidepressant medications studied, only mirtazapine and trazadone showed a statistically significant reduction in AHI in the treated groups but not in sleepiness scale nor an increase in sleep efficiency. In this review, the total sample sizes were small, adverse side effects of some of the antidepressant medications were clinically significant, overall risk of bias of the studies was high or unclear, and overall quality of the evidence was low. Based on the evidence available at this time, we cannot recommend the antidepressants studied in the treatment of OSA.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Humans; Placebos; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31720982
DOI: 10.1007/s11325-019-01954-9 -
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica May 2020In fixed-dose antidepressant trials, the lower range of the licensed dose achieves the optimal balance between efficacy and tolerability. Whether flexible upward...
BACKGROUND
In fixed-dose antidepressant trials, the lower range of the licensed dose achieves the optimal balance between efficacy and tolerability. Whether flexible upward titration while side-effects permit provides additional benefits is unknown.
METHODS
We did a systematic review of placebo-controlled randomized trials that examined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), venlafaxine or mirtazapine in the acute treatment of major depression. Our primary outcome was response, defined as 50% or greater reduction in depression severity. Secondary outcomes included drop-outs due to adverse effects and drop-outs for any reason. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses to calculate the ratios of odds ratios (RORs) between trials comparing the flexible dose titrating above the minimum licensed dose against placebo and those comparing the fixed minimum licensed dose against placebo.
RESULTS
We included 123 published and unpublished randomized controlled trials (29 420 participants). There was no evidence supporting efficacy of the flexible dosing over the fixed low dose of SSRIs (ROR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.25), venlafaxine (1.24, 0.96 to 1.60) or mirtazapine (0.77, 0.33 to 1.78). No important differences were noted for tolerability or for any subgroup analyses except the superior efficacy of venlafaxine flexible dosing between 75 and 150 mg over the fixed 75 mg (1.30, 1.02 to 1.65).
CONCLUSION
There was no evidence to support added value in terms of efficacy, tolerability or acceptability of flexibly titrating up the dosage over the minimum licensed dose of SSRIs or mirtazapine. For venlafaxine, increased efficacy can be expected by flexibly titrating up to 150 mg.
Topics: Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Depressive Disorder, Major; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mirtazapine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
PubMed: 31891415
DOI: 10.1111/acps.13145 -
American Family Physician Feb 2020
Topics: Aged; Bupropion; Depressive Disorder, Major; Female; Humans; Male; Mirtazapine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors
PubMed: 32003957
DOI: No ID Found