A double blind trial of moclobemide versus amitriptyline in the treatment of depressive disorders.
The antidepressant efficacy and side-effect profile of amitriptyline were compared to those of moclobemide, a reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor with selectivity for the type A isozyme. Forty nine patients with DSM-III major depression were randomly assigned to receive either amitriptyline or moclobemide. Thirty seven patients (amitriptyline n = 16, moclobemide n = 21) completed the six week protocol, which was conducted under double blind conditions. The results indicated a comparable antidepressant time course and efficacy for the two treatments. Amitriptyline produced significantly more sedation and antimuscarinic side-effects. Moclobemide appears to be a well tolerated antidepressant without the liability to produce significant postural hypotension and without the need for a tyramine-poor diet.
Newburn
G M
GM
Department of Psychiatry, Rotorua Hospital.
Fraser
A R
AR
Menkes
D B
DB
Mullen
P E
PE
D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001549:Benzamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020912:Moclobemide; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D000639:Amitriptyline; D020912:Moclobemide