Venlafaxine vs Fluvoxamine in OCD

Objective: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of fluvoxamine and venlafaxine in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Materials and Methods: Forty newly diagnosed patients of OCD (DSM-IV-TR criteria) were randomized to receive either Fluvoxamine (F) or Venlafaxine (V). The dose of fluvoxamine was titrated upwards from 50 to 300 mg/day and of venlafaxine from 75 to 375mg/day to achieve optimal clinical effects. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used as an index of efficacy ( < 25% reduction in score). Drug responders were defined as score of 2 (much improved) or 1 (very much improved) on Clinical Global Impression Scale of improvement. Results:Y-BOCS score improvement occurred earlier and was higher in F-group (week 4 onwards) as compared to V-group (p>0.05). Eleven patients obtained a score of "2" or "1" in F-group versus four in V-group. ADR profile was similar in both groups except for loss of libido which was significantly higher in F-group and headache in V-group. Conclusion: Though venlafaxine has a dual action but fluvoxamine with more selective action on the serotoninergic system shows better better symptomatic relief in OCD