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ANTLER 75+
Antidepressants to prevent relapse in depression in older people – a double blind RCT to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of continuing antidepressants (IRAS: 1009793)
Between 1 in 7 and 1 in 5 older people are prescribed anti-depressants. It can be difficult to decide whether to continue an antidepressant prescription for an older person who has recovered from depression. The aim of this trial is to address this critical topic by investigating the difference in the time to any future depressive episode between patients who continue their antidepressant and those who are randomised to taper and withdraw from treatment.
- Chief Investigator: Prof Rob Howard
- Study Sponsor: University College London
Patient participation
Participants will be randomised into 2 groups:
- Arm A: 12 months’ continued treatment with their usual antidepressant (citalopram 20mg, sertraline 50mg or mirtazapine 30mg).
- Arm B: 12 months’ tapered withdrawal and discontinuation in patients receiving treatment with citalopram 20mg, sertraline 50mg or mirtazapine 30mg.
Patient eligibility
(Pre-made EMIS search provided, followed by eligibility checks carried out by research team)
Inclusion:
- Age 75 years or older.
- Either two or more previous episodes of depression treated with antidepressants or taking any antidepressant for at least a 2-year period at any time.
- Currently has been taking either citalopram, sertraline or mirtazapine for at least 9 months, 3 months of which should be at the following doses: 20mg citalopram, 30mg mirtazapine or 50mg sertraline.
Exclusion:
- Diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
- Diagnosis of Dementia.
- Currently prescribed a combination of antidepressants or an antidepressant and a mood stabiliser or an antipsychotic.
To express an interest in this study or find out information on other studies open to you, please contact us.