rESuLTS: Second-line remission rates were 20.4% for venlafaxine Xr, 16.9% for sertraline, 16.4% for escitalopram, 15.1% for generic SSrIs (weighted average), and 13.6% for paroxetine Cr. Pharmacy costs ranged from $163 for generic SSrIs to $319 for venlafaxine Xr. Total cost per patient achieving remission was $14,275 for venlafaxine Xr, followed by $16,100 for escitalopram. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICEr) for venlafaxine Xr compared with generic SSrIs was $2,073 per patient

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... eving remission, followed by escitalopram with an ICEr of $3,566. The model was most sensitive to nonpharmacy costs. ConCLuSIon: This analysis suggests that second-line treatment of depression with venlafaxine Xr may result in more patients achieving remission, with an ICEr that is favorable to other therapies. kEyWorDS: SSrI, SnrI (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), Antidepressants, Cost-effectiveness model, Major depressive disorder, Budget-impact model, venlafaxine extended release (Xr), Managed care J Manag Care Pharm. 2007;13(6)(suppl S-a):S8-S18 JMCP Supplement to Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy S17 remission of their depression. This suggests that venlafaxine XR may be a cost-effective strategy with a favorable ICER for the second-line treatment of MDD.