Moclobemide and fluoxetine in the prevention of relapses following acute treatment of depression.
The efficacy of moclobemide (378 mg +/- 76 mg/day) and fluoxetine (36 mg +/- 8 mg/day) in preventing relapse was studied during 12 weeks of continuation treatment after a 6-week initial trial. Fifty-nine patients with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores of 16 or less were enrolled; 29 continued to receive moclobemide and 30 fluoxetine. Efficacy was measured using a 17-item HDRS, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Clinical Global Impression. Improvement in quality of life was measured using a Medical Outcome Study Short-form General Health Survey and the 15D Measure of Quality of Life. Twenty-three per cent of the patients in the fluoxetine group dropped out of the study and 10% in the moclobemide group. Two patients (7%) in the moclobemide group and one (3%) in the fluoxetine group suffered a relapse. Health status and quality of life improved in both drug groups during a 12-week continuation period. The reports of adverse events fell to one third during the continuation phase. The results indicate that benefits may be gained from extending acute treatment.
Lonnqvist
J
J
Department of Mental Health, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Sihvo
S
S
Syvälahti
E
E
Sintonen
H
H
Kiviruusu
O
O
Pitkanen
H
H
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020912:Moclobemide; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D005473:Fluoxetine; D020912:Moclobemide