The Effect of Venlafaxine as an Adjunct Therapy on The Clinical Outcome of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Official Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, disability, and reduced quality of life. Current therapies, although effective, may have limited efficacy or tolerability in some patients. Biological DMARDs are often associated with adverse effects, including increased risk of serious infections and heart failure. Long-term use may also increase the risk of malignancies. These limitations, together with their high cost. Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), has shown potential anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its antidepressant effects. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine as an adjunct therapy in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.
Study Design
- Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
- Allocation: RANDOMIZED
- Model: PARALLEL
- Masking: NONE
- Enrollment: 70 participants
Interventions
- DRUG: venlafaxine extended-release (XR) — 35 patients will receive the standard RA treatment in addition to venlafaxine extended-release (XR) initiated at a dose of 75 mg/day for one week to ensure tolerability, followed by an increase to 150 mg/day, which will be maintained for the duration of the study (12 weeks)
- OTHER: Standard conventional Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy — 35 patients will receive the standard treatment of RA, which will be maintained for the duration of the study (12 weeks).
Primary Outcomes
- Change in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28-CRP) (Baseline and 3 months)
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in C-reactive protein (CRP) (Baseline and 3 months)
- Change in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (Baseline and 3 months)
- Change in serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (at baseline and after 3 months.)
- safety and tolerability of venlafaxine (at baseline and after 3 months.)
- Health assessment questionnaire HAQ-DI. (at baseline and after 3 months.)
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AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Discuss clinical trial participation with your doctor. Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.