This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram and duloxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Patients were randomised to 24 weeks of double-blind treatment with fixed doses of escitalopram (20mg) (n=144) or duloxetine (60mg) (n=151). The primary analysis of efficacy was an ANCOVA of change from baseline to endpoint (Week 24) in MADRS total score (last observation carried forward).

At Week 8, the mean change from baseline in total MADRS score was -19.5 for escitalopram-treated patients (n=143) and -17.4 for duloxetine-treated patients (n=151), a difference of 2.1 points (p<0.05). At Week 8, the proportion of responders (at least 50% decrease in MADRS) was 69% (escitalopram) and 58% (duloxetine) (p<0.05) and remission (MADRS<=12) rates were 56% (escitalopram) and 48% (duloxetine) (NS). For the primary endpoint, the mean change from baseline in total MADRS score at Week 24 was -23.4 for escitalopram-treated patients and -21.7 for duloxetine-treated patients, a difference of 1.7 points (p=0.055, one-sided). The difference in mean change from baseline in MADRS total score favoured escitalopram at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 (p<0.05). The overall withdrawal rates were 22% (escitalopram) and 26% (duloxetine) (NS). The withdrawal rate due to adverse events was lower for escitalopram (9%) compared to duloxetine (17%) (p<0.05) and significantly more patients treated with duloxetine reported insomnia (12.6% versus 4.9%) and constipation (8.6% versus 2.8%).

Escitalopram was superior to duloxetine in acute treatment, and at least as efficacious and better tolerated in long-term treatment of MDD.