Paroxetine and imipramine in the treatment of depressive patients in psychiatric practice.
A total of 151 outpatients with endogenous or mixed endogenous and reactive depression were included in a 6-week double-blind study, with extension for up to 1 year, in psychiatric practice. The results showed trends in efficacy variables and a statistically significant difference in a benefit-risk ratio in favour of paroxetine (Seroxat, Paxil) compared with imipramine. Efficacy was largely maintained in both groups during long-term treatment. The frequency and severity of side effects in paroxetine patients declined markedly from short-term to long-term treatment, whereas changes in imipramine patients were less pronounced. Significantly more imipramine patients gained weight during long-term treatment. In conclusion, paroxetine is an effective and well tolerated antidepressant, well suited for outpatients in psychiatric practice.
Ohrberg
S
S
Frederiksborg General Hospital, Denmark.
Christiansen
P E
PE
Severin
B
B
Calberg
H
H
Nilakantan
B
B
Borup
A
A
Søgaard
J
J
Larsen
S B
SB
Loldrup
D
D
Bahr
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010555:Personality Inventory
D017374:Paroxetine; D007099:Imipramine