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 .
Paroxetine and fluoxetine effects on mood and cognitive functions in depressed nondemented elderly patients.
BACKGROUND A large proportion of the elderly population complains of depressive symptoms . The ideal antidepressant for these patients , who often suffer from numerous concomitant diseases , should not worsen their cognitive functions and should be free of contraindications . METHOD To assess the effects of 2 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on cognitive functions in elderly depressed patients ( ICD-10 criteria ) , we conducted a double-blind , r and omized , parallel-group , multicenter study comparing paroxetine ( 20 - 40 mg daily ) and fluoxetine ( 20 - 60 mg daily ) treatment for 1 year . Cognitive performance was evaluated by means of the  Buschke Selective Reminding Test  , the  Blessed Information and Memory Test  , the  Clifton Assessment Schedule  , the  Cancellation Task Test  , and the  Wechsler Paired Word Test ;  the  Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ( HAM-D ) and the Clinical Anxiety Scale were administered to assess the course of depressive and anxiety symptoms , respectively . RESULTS 242 patients were enrolled ( mean + /- SD age = 75.4 + /- 6.6 years ) . During the study , no deterioration of cognition was observed ; on the contrary , most of the tested cognitive functions improved . Good antidepressant efficacy was maintained for over 1 year with both drugs , based on the percentage of responders to treatment ( patients achieving a HAM-D total score < 10 ; 60 % ) . Both drugs showed a good tolerability and safety profile . CONCLUSION The 2 antidepressants proved to be suitable for the long-term treatment of depression in the elderly and to be devoid of detrimental effects on the tested cognitive functions
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 .