Duloxetine in the management of elderly patients with major depressive disorder: an analysis of published data

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common condition in the elderly that is frequently associated with disability and cognitive impairment. Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication that inhibits both 5-HT and NE reuptake. Objective: The objective of this review is to summarize the available know-how on the use of duloxetine in elderly population. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed in Medline and Embase. Peer-reviewed articles only were included in this review. Results: A total of four articles meeting search criteria were identified in the Medline and Embase databases. In the short-term controlled studies, treatment with duloxetine was associated with significantly greater improvement in cognitive function, depression and health state compared with placebo, as well as in rate of patients achieving response or remission. Overall pain and back pain also improved in patients receiving duloxetine. The long-term open-label data showed that the significant improvements of HAM-D...