Abstract: AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine hydrochloride (HCl) sustained release capsules in treating juvenile with depressive disorder. METHODS: A randomized, double blind and double dummy clinical trial enrolled 60 adolescent patients with depression, who were randomizedly designed to administer venlafaxine HCl sustained release capsules 150 mg or fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 8 weeks. The efficacies of both treatment groups was evaluated based on the Hamilton Depression Scale and Clinical General Impression Scale pre and post-treatment. RESULTS: The scores of Hamilton Depression Scale at the end of therapy were significantly reduced compared with the baseline in both groups(P<0.01). The effective rate of venlafaxine HCl sustained release capsules versus fluoxetine treatment was 70.0 % and 65.5 %, respectively, the P value showed no statistical difference(P >0.05). The common adverse reactions included dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, and loss of appetite. CONCLUSION: Venlafaxine HCl sustained release capsules is an effective agent for juvenile with major depression.

Key words: juvenile, depression, venlafaxine HCl, sustained release capsule, fluoxetine