2. Duration of Therapy

There is no basis for limiting antidepressant therapy duration when used to manage MDD, OCD, GAD, PTSD, or PD as these disorders can all be characterized as chronic conditions. NP, CMP, and F are considered chronic conditions and may be used for the duration of the condition.

While clinical trials have not evaluated vilazodone use in MDD beyond 52 weeks, it is accepted that vilazodone therapy may exceed 52 weeks, as acute episodes of MDD require extended (several months or longer) drug therapy. Patients should be periodically assessed for continued need for vilazodone treatment³³.

Duloxetine treatment duration in diabetic NP lasting greater than 6 months has not been evaluated in clinical trials. Additionally, duloxetine efficacy in CMP beyond 13 weeks has not been established in clinical trials.

Duloxetine use lasting greater than 12 months as F therapy has not been evaluated in clinical trials. Recent clinical trials have evaluated milnacipran use for up to one year in F with sustained results in pain management. F patients should be routinely evaluated for treatment effectiveness, with milnacipran therapy tapered and discontinued if positive treatment outcomes are no longer present.