Effexor may help depression sufferers at an increased risk of death

Using Effexor may help manage symptoms of depression for heart failure patients at a higher risk of death, a new study shows. A new study published by the American Heart Association Journal concludes that moderately or severely depressed heart failure patients are four times more likely to die. Also, it found that they are twice as likely to be hospitalized than patients who are not depressed.  

The study was conducted by Alanna Chamberlain, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the Mayo Clinic. It included 402 heart failure patients from three counties in Minnesota. Each subject completed a nine-question survey which found that 31 percent had some form of depression. Information was then gathered on the patients for about 18 months. 

Subjects with even mild forms of depression had a nearly 60 percent increased chance of death, the study found. 

Although the results of the study intrigued researchers, they said there are too many variables unaccounted for to make a definitive conclusion from the study. 

"We measured depression with a one-time questionnaire so we cannot account for changes in depression symptoms over time," Chamberlain said.

Some of the specific aspects of the study that make finding a definitive conclusion difficult were that most patients monitored were white and the region analyzed was extremely limited. Geographical and socio-economic factors could have affected the results of the study, as the researchers noted their findings may have been different in other areas of the United States. 

Further research was recommended by the scientists. They speculated that it could lead to more sophisticated and specialized treatments for managing depression in heart failure patients. 

Patients with heart problems who may be suffering from depression should contact their doctor to see if Effexor is right for them. If so, it can be purchased for a discounted price at a Canadian online pharmacy.