Effects of Duloxetine vs. Escitalopram on Heart Rate Variability in Depression
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2007-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Low heart rate variability is a marker of increased risk of cardiac mortality, and is
observed in depressed coronary artery disease patients. Some antidepressants may themselves,
however, decrease heart rate variability. We will test the hypothesis that greater reduction
in heart rate variability will be associated with duloxetine (which has noradrenergic
activity) than escitalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). We will also test the
hypothesis that changes in heart rate variability are related to the magnitude of
norepinephrine transporter occupancy.