Trial of Pindolol Augmentation in Venlafaxine Treated Patients With Major Depression

A Short Term Double Blind Randomised Trial of Pindolol Augmentation in Venlafaxine Treated Patients With Major Depression

This study investigates the hypothesis that pindolol can accelerate the response to antidepressants in patients with major depression treated with venlafaxine.

Antidepressant therapy has a delayed onset of action of 4-6 weeks. Pindolol has in some studies shown an accelerating effect. In this study we investigate the effect of 20 mg of pindolol retarded formulation in combination with Venlafaxine compared to placebo Pindolol and Venlafaxine for a duration of 19 days.

Effect is measured by the Hamilton Depression rating Scale and the Preskorn Scale (self-rating).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Major depression

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy towards pindolol, venlafaxine or other tablet constituents
• Liver or kidney impairment
• Diabetics
• Age below 18 years
• Severe cardiac disease
• Asthma.