To evaluate functioning, well being, and pain outcomes with desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS) treatment in depressed men and women of different age groups.

Data from the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and Visual Analog Scale–Pain Intensity (VAS-PI) were pooled from 6 double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week DVS trials conducted in outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients were divided into 3 age groups. The 18-39 and >55 years of age groups were chosen as proxies for pre- and postmenopausal status; the age group of 40-55 years, which was likely to include perimenopausal women, was also evaluated. Male patients were similarly grouped to differentiate effects of menopausal status from age on treatment response.

Patients were randomized to receive DVS 100-400mg (N=1048; 18-39 years [n=451]; 40-55 years [n=457]; >55 [n=140]) or placebo (N=718; 18-39 years [n=306]; 40-55 years [n=310]; >55 [n=102]). The final SDS, WHO-5, and VAS-PI overall pain change from baseline for the total population were significantly greater in the DVS vs the placebo group (P<0.001). Mean differences (adjusted ANCOVA) from placebo in women were: SDS: 18-39: –2.1, 40-55: –2.1, >55: –3.2; WHO-5: 18-39: +1.1, 40-55: +1.8, >55: +3.3; VAS-PI 18-39: –1.4, 40-55: –5.2, >55: –9.1. In men, results were consistent across age groups studied (SDS: 18-39: –2.9, 40-55: –3.4, >55: +2.6; WHO-5: 18-39: +1.5, 40-55: +2.4, >55: –0.3; VAS-PI 18-39: –3.0, 40-55: –7.7, >55: +2.0).

DVS improves functional outcomes and pain symptoms in depressed men and women across the age groups studied.