Moclobemide versus fluoxetine for a major depressive episode.
The efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide (300-600 mg daily) and fluoxetine (20-40 mg daily) were compared in a 6-week, double-blind study of 65 inpatients and 34 outpatients suffering from major depressive episodes (DSM III-R). No statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups were noted regarding efficacy (HDRS, CGI) or safety (adverse events, laboratory examination, vital signs). Moclobemide (300-600 mg daily) and fluoxetine (20-40 mg daily) would thus appear to be comparable both in antidepressant efficacy and tolerability. Doubling the low dosage in non-responders after 3 weeks resulted in a statistically significant improvement of CGI in the moclobemide group by comparison with the fluoxetine group at study end, suggesting that 600 mg moclobemide/day can still improve the patient's condition, while 40 mg fluoxetine/day does not. Sexual dysfunction was reported in two patients taking fluoxetine.
Reynaert
C
C
University Department of Psychiatry, Clinical University of Mont-Godinne, Mont, Yvoir, Belgium.
Parent
M
M
Mirel
J
J
Janne
P
P
Haazen
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020912:Moclobemide; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced; D013997:Time Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D005473:Fluoxetine; D020912:Moclobemide