Homeopathic Individualized Q‐Potencies versus Fluoxetine for Moderate to Severe Depression: Double‐Blind, Randomized Non‐Inferiority Trial

Abstract

Homeopathy is a complementary and integrative medicine used in depression, The aim of this study is to investigate the non-inferiority and tolerability of individualized homeopathic medicines [Quinquagintamillesmial (Q-potencies)] in acute depression, using fluoxetine as active control. Ninety-one outpatients with moderate to severe depression were assigned to receive an individualized homeopathic medicine or fluoxetine 20 mg day−1 (up to 40 mg day−1) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind double-dummy 8-week, single-center trial. Primary efficacy measure was the analysis of the mean change in the Montgomery & Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) depression scores, using a non-inferiority test with margin of 1.45. Secondary efficacy outcomes were response and remission rates. Tolerability was assessed with the side effect rating scale of the Scandinavian Society of Psychopharmacology. Mean MADRS scores differences were not significant at the 4th (P = .654) and 8th weeks (P = .965) of treatment. Non-inferiority of homeopathy was indicated because the upper limit of the confidence interval (CI) for mean difference in MADRS change was less than the non-inferiority margin: mean differences (homeopathy-fluoxetine) were −3.04 (95% CI −6.95, 0.86) and −2.4 (95% CI −6.05, 0.77) at 4th and 8th week, respectively. There were no significant differences between the percentages of response or remission rates in both groups. Tolerability: there were no significant differences between the side effects rates, although a higher percentage of patients treated with fluoxetine reported troublesome side effects and there was a trend toward greater treatment interruption for adverse effects in the fluoxetine group. This study illustrates the feasibility of randomized controlled double-blind trials of homeopathy in depression and indicates the non-inferiority of individualized homeopathic Q-potencies as compared to fluoxetine in acute treatment of outpatients with moderate to severe depression.

Mechanically separated fillet and meat nuggets of Nile tilapia treated with homeopathic product

“…The manufacture of these products with MSM uses the processing residues, avoids health and environmental problems and adds commercial value to final product (Nunes et al, 2006). The products of homeopathy, a complementary and alternative medicine, are produced by dinamization, a process that involves sequentially stirred dilutions in small volumes applied to human and animal diets (Adler et al, 2011). The use of population homeopathy reduces stress to animals, especially in intensive systems that are very different from the natural environment, and increases the production potential and survival.…”

Homeopathy for Depression - DEP-HOM: study protocol for a randomized, partially double-blind, placebo controlled, four armed study

“…Serious adverse effects from homeopathic medicine were not observed on the non-inferiority trial [17] and are not expected during the current study. Participants' treatment expectations at baseline will also be assessed.…”

“…The investigator is also experienced in case history and analysis under double blind conditions [17]. …”

Práticas Integrativas E Complementares: Conhecimento E Credibilidade De Profissionais Do Serviço Público De Saúde

“…Por meio de uma avaliação bioquímica, comprovou-se o efeito protetor do medicamento homeopático Chelidonium majus sobre o fígado (Banerjee et al, 2010). Em pesquisa desenvolvida na Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí sobre os efeitos de medicamentos homeopáticos em pacientes depressivos do SUS, foi constatada a eficácia terapêutica semelhante à da fluoxetina (Adler et al, 2009).…”