Duloxetine Compared to Escitalopram and Placebo in the Treatment of Patients With Depression

Duloxetine Versus Escitalopram and Placebo in the Treatment of Patients With Major Depression

The purposes of this study are to determine:

• The safety of duloxetine and any side effects that might be associated with it.
• How duloxetine compares to escitalopram and placebo (an inactive ingredient)

duloxetine 60mg - 120mg, escitalopram 10mg - 20mg, and placebo, 8-month,

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must be at least 18 of age
• Must meet the criteria for major depressive disorder
• You must be able to visit the doctor's office about once a week for 2 to 3 months. After that, you will need to visit the doctor's office once a month for about 6 months
• You must be able to take the study drug as prescribed (6 capsules per day taken once-daily)

Exclusion Criteria:

• You are a woman and are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have a current or previous major psychiatric disorder other than depression, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorder.
• You have a history of alcohol or drug dependence within the past 6 months