Effect of agomelatine vs escitalopram on emotions of patients with MDD

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Effects of agomelatine versus escitalopram on emotional experiences in outpatients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. An exploratory, randomised, double-blind, international, multicentre study with parallel groups: agomelatine (25 to 50 mg/day) versus escitalopram (10 to 20 mg/day) over a 6- month period.

• IRAS ID

  101421

• Contact name

  Tim Hall

• Sponsor organisation

  Servier Research and Development Ltd

• Eudract number

  2011-005320-17

• ISRCTN Number

  n/a

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  n/a

• Research summary

  This is an exploratory study aiming to assess the effect of agomelatine and escitalopram on the 'emotional experiences' and emotional blunting effect of antidepressants in patients with depression. Both these medicines are licensed in the treatment of depression and have been shown to be effective. There is some evidence that certain antidepressants (SSRIs) may have a flattening and blunting effect on patients emotions - therefore in the study we are comparing an SSRI and a new class of antidepressant - agomelatine to see if there is a difference in the emotional experiences of these patients. The study is 28 weeks in duration and in patients with moderate to severe depression. The study has two blinded groups: half taking escitalopram and the other half taking agomelatine. Both groups will have the potential to have their dose increased, depending on if their depression improves over time.

• REC name

  South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  12/SC/0278

• Date of REC Opinion

  13 Jun 2012

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion