Comparison of Efficacy and Tolerability Between Sertraline and Fluoxetine in Patients With Major

Abstract

Objective: Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability between Sertraline and Fluoxetine to 
determine suitable treatment of major depression in Pakistani population. 
Place and Duration: This study was conducted in the outpatients department of psychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate 
Medical Centre, Karachi. The duration of the study was 24 weeks conducted from January – December 2008. 
Materials and Methods: 100 male and female patients between 18 to 65 years of age with a diagnosis of major 
depressive disorder were selected. Two groups A1 and A2 were made of 50 patients each. Group A1 received Tab 
Sertraline while Group A2 received Cap Fluoxetine daily for 24 weeks after going through screening tests and 
diagnostic evaluation. Efficacy was evaluated by using 21 item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and 20 
item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ). The patients were asked to attend the OPD every 15 days. Side effects 
and compliance of the patients was noted at each visit. 
Results: The results showed that both groups showed significant improvement in depression from week 0 to week 
24 with minimal adverse effects. Compliance of the patients in both groups was good. Although HDRS and SRQ 
scores were significantly reduced in both groups, it was noted that Tab Sertraline improved the symptoms earlier 
than Cap Fluoxetine.  
Conclusion: It can be concluded that both sertraline and fluoxetine are efficacious in major depression causing few 
adverse effects but because sertraline improves symptoms earlier and it is cost effective it may be preferred to 
fluoxetine.