Conclusions : International differences in prescriber behaviour may influence , and in turn be influenced by , the conduct of clinical trials .
Objective : International differences are thought to exist in dosages used by clinicians treating mood disorders .
This study examined international dosage differences in antidepressant clinical trials , using a data base formed and maintained as a component of a Cochrane review of comparative clinical trials of fluoxetine .
Tianeptine and fluoxetine in major depression: a 6-week randomised double-blind study.
In a 6-week , multicentre , r and omised , double-blind controlled study , tianeptine ( 37.5 mg/day ) and fluoxetine ( 20 mg/day ) were compared for efficacy and safety in 178 patients with major depression . No significant difference was shown between the two drugs , either in terms of efficacy ( MADRS , CGI , COVI ) or in terms of safety , except for the CGI ' severity of illness ' which was lower at the end point with tianeptine than with fluoxetine . The percentages of responders ( as defined by a 50 % decrease of the MADRS score from baseline to end point ) were 75 % with tianeptine and 67 % with fluoxetine , showing the efficacy of both drugs . In conclusion , both tianeptine and fluoxetine are effective and well-tolerated treatments for major depression
Conclusions : International differences in prescriber behaviour may influence , and in turn be influenced by , the conduct of clinical trials .
Objective : International differences are thought to exist in dosages used by clinicians treating mood disorders .
This study examined international dosage differences in antidepressant clinical trials , using a data base formed and maintained as a component of a Cochrane review of comparative clinical trials of fluoxetine .