Efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide compared with fluvoxamine in depressive disorder (DSM III). A French/Swiss double-blind trial.
The efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide and fluvoxamine, two new types of antidepressant agents, were compared in a multicentre, double-blind prospective study of patients with a diagnosis of major depressive episode (DSM III). Patients were randomized to receive either moclobemide (150 mg) or fluvoxamine (50 mg) twice daily for 7 days, immediately following a washout period of at least 1 week. Dosages were increased where necessary on day 8, to a maximum of moclobemide 450 mg or fluvoxamine 200 mg and in most cases were maintained at these levels for the remainder of the study period (4-6 weeks). Both treatment groups showed a marked antidepressant effect. While both treatments were well tolerated, moclobemide showed a more favourable side-effect profile than fluvoxamine. Of the 126 patients eligible for evaluation, 34 withdrew from therapy, 22% in the moclobemide group and 30% in the fluvoxamine group. Adverse events were reported in 41.8% of patients treated with moclobemide compared to 60.3% of patients in the fluvoxamine group. Reports of dry mouth and other anticholinergic effects were more frequent among those treated with fluvoxamine. A greater number of gastrointestinal complaints, especially nausea, also occurred in the fluvoxamine-treated patients.
Bougerol
T
T
Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie d'Adultes, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, France.
Uchida
C
C
Gachoud
J P
JP
Köhler
M
M
Mikkelsen
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D016666:Fluvoxamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020912:Moclobemide; D013557:Switzerland
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D016666:Fluvoxamine; D020912:Moclobemide