Agomelatine in unipolar depression in clinical practice: a retrospective chart review

Langan-Martin, J. , Shajahan, P., Martin, D. and Carleton, R. (2011) Agomelatine in unipolar depression in clinical practice: a retrospective chart review. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 1(6), pp. 175-180. (doi: 10.1177/2045125311423296)

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Abstract

Agomelatine (Valdoxan), a synthetic melatonergic receptor agonist at the MT1 and MT2 receptors, was first used in the management of sleep disorder. Its 5HT2C receptor antagonistic properties support its antidepressant potential. It is currently licensed in the UK, Europe and USA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Although the randomized controlled evidence base for its use is growing, there are no retrospective, naturalistic studies available. We aimed to determine the tolerability and clinical effectiveness of agomelatine in unipolar depression. We also examined whether being refractory to treatment altered clinical outcome. Forty-eight patient records were examined. Twenty-five percent were treatment refractory: Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Severity score at the start of treatment was 3.81 compared with 3.38 at the end of treatment. Fifty-four percent improved at least minimally; only 12.5% were much or very much improved. Treatment-refractory patients had a poorer outcome with higher discontinuation rates and lower CGI Improvement (p = 0.0205). Treatment-refractory patients also had a higher CGI Severity score at the end of treatment than at treatment commencement (3.92 versus 3.75), although this was not statistically significant.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Martin, Dr Daniel and Langan-Martin, Dr Julie
Authors: Langan-Martin, J., Shajahan, P., Martin, D., and Carleton, R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology
ISSN:2045-1253
ISSN (Online):2045-1261

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