Journal of International Psychiatry

[Abstract] Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of trazodone combined with venlafaxine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Methods A total of 94 patients with major depression in our hospital from February 2020 to August 2022 were selected for observation, and were divided into two groups using the number table randomization method, 47 cases each in the control group and the observation group. The control group was treated with venlafaxine and the observation group was treated with trazodone combined with venlafaxine, both treated for 3 months. The Hamilton depression rating scale-17 (HAMD-17) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) were compared before and after treatment. Dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were measured before and after treatment. The occurrence of adverse reactions during the treatment period was compared. Results Both HAMD-17 and HAMA scores were significantly lower in both groups after treatment, and the two scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The serum DA and 5-HT levels were significantly increased in both groups after treatment, and the two indexes were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Trazodone combined with venlafaxine for major depression reduced anxiety and depression and elevated serum DA 5-HT levels, with efficacy-promoting effects and no significant increase in the incidence of adverse effects.

Key words Trazodone; Venlafaxine; Major depressive disorder; Dopamine; 5-Hydroxytryptamine