US Pharm. 2010;35(9):6.

Richmond, Virginia—A double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University indicates that the antidepressant desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can ease major depression (MD) symptoms in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Nearly 400 perimenopausal and menopausal women across the country who were diagnosed with MD were studied. Those taking the antidepressant showed significant improvement (59% response vs. 38% for placebo), as measured by a number of psychological rating scales and tests. Depression in women appears to be influenced by reproductive events. The perimenopausal and menopausal drop in estrogen may affect mood, and the transition to menopause is a high-risk period for MD whether or not a woman has a history of depression.

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