Abstract: AIM: To compare the short-term effects of paroxetine and venlafaxine on memory function in the patients with recurrent depression.METHODS: Using randomized study, recurrent depression patients were divided into paroxetine and venlafaxine group respectively for six weeks treatment. The doses were 20-60 mg/d and 150-225 mg/d respectively. All subjects were tested by Wechsler Memory Scale - revised in China and Hamilton Depression Scale-24.RESULTS: There was no difference between two groups about the effective rate (76.67% vs 70%,P＞0.05). The scores of short-term memory and memory quotient after 6 weeks treatment in venlafaxine group were higher than those in paroxetine group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The paroxetine has the same short-term effect as the venlafaxine in the patients with recurrent depression. Venlafaxine has more effect on short-term memory and memory quotient than paroxetine does.

Key words: recurrent depression, memory function, paroxetine, venlafaxine