Benefit of slow titration of paroxetine to treat depression in the elderly.
Hum Psychopharmacol 2014;
29:544-51. [PMID:
25363240 DOI:
10.1002/hup.2433]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Paroxetine is commonly used to treat depression in the elderly; however, titration issues have been raised. Rapid titration may lead to increased anxiety and early dropout. The aim of this cost-utility analysis was to compare the potential benefit of standard (10 mg the first day) versus slow titration (2.5 mg gradually increased).
METHODS
Clinical analysis was based on a naturalistic trial integrated with a decision-analytic model representing second treatments for those who initially did not respond and for dropout cases. Treatment setting was a public outpatient center for mental disorders in Italy. Service use data were estimated from best practice guidelines, whereas costs (Euros; 2012) were retrieved from Italian official sources.
RESULTS
Slow titration approach produced 0.031 more quality-adjusted life years (remission rate: 57% vs 44% in standard titration group) at an incremental cost of €5.53 (generic paroxetine) and €54.54 (brand paroxetine syrup). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) values were €159 and €1768, respectively, in favor of slow titration approach. Cost-effectiveness threshold, defined as ICER < 1 GDP per capita according to World Health Organization criteria, is about €25 000 in Italy.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results are consistent with a superiority of slow titration of paroxetine in older depressed patients. However, these findings, in part based on simulated data, need to be replicated in clinical trials.
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