A Retrospective Chart Review Comparing Nefazodone to Three Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors f

Clinical Note Objective: To compare nefazodone to three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline) in the treatment of depression with agitation or depression with anxiety.

Design: Over 10,000 charts were reviewed in 60 nursing facilities. Eighty residents were identified as having either a diagnosis of depression with agitation or depression with anxiety. Presence or absence of side effects was noted, and type and number of concomitant medications were considered.

Setting: Sixty long-term care facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Results: Of the 50 residents receiving an SSRI, 98.0% also received a benzodiazepine or another antidepressant. o­nly 26.7% of the 30 residents receiving nefazodone had such concomitant therapy. Residents treated with nefazodone had fewer side effects than residents treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.



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