Effects of Duloxetine vs. Escitalopram on Heart Rate Variability in Depression

Completed · Phase 2/Phase 3

Conditions studied: Major Depressive Disorder

In brief

Low heart rate variability is a marker of increased risk of cardiac mortality, and is observed in depressed coronary artery disease patients. Some antidepressants may themselves, however, decrease heart rate variability. We will test the hypothesis that greater reduction in heart rate variability will be associated with duloxetine (which has noradrenergic activity) than escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). We will also test the hypothesis that changes in heart rate variability are related to the magnitude of norepinephrine transporter occupancy.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00215228

Run by

Duke University

People needed

26

Starts

2005-07-01

Expected to finish

2007-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2014-07-21

Who can join

Age: 20 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• adults 20-60 years of age
• a primary diagnosis of depression using DSM-IV criteria
• written informed consent
• a negative serum pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential

You may not qualify if…

• history of cardiovascular disease
• history of hypertension
• history of bipolar disorder
• history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder
• alcohol or other substance abuse within the last 3 months
• history of cognitive impairment

Where it is running

• Duke University Medical Center — Durham, North Carolina, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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