Comparing Paroxetine and Duloxetine on Cardiovascular Measures

A Study of the Effects of Paroxetine vs. Duloxetine on Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Cardiovascular Control

This double-blind placebo-controlled trial is designed to test and to compare the cardiovascular profile of paroxetine controlled release (CR) with duloxetine in outpatients with depressive symptoms.

This double-blind placebo-controlled study will test the hypothesis that greater reduction in heart rate variability will be associated with duloxetine than paroxetine in outpatients with major depressive disorder. We will also examine the relationship between changes in heart rate variability to the magnitude of serotonin and norepinephrine transporter occupancy produced by each drug.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Depressive symptoms
• Ages 20-60
• In good medical health and not pregnant

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder
• Alcohol or other substance abuse within the last 3 months
• Cognitive impairment
• History of attempted suicide in the past 2 months and who score 4 or more on the suicide item of the MADRS