Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide and maprotiline in depressed patients treated by general practitioners.
We report the results of a multicenter, double-blind study conducted in a general practice setting, in which the efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide, a new antidepressant drug of the reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A class, were compared with those of maprotiline, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor often prescribed in the general practice setting. Participating general practitioners were required to make differential diagnoses of depressive disorders according to DSM-III criteria and then quantitatively assess the efficacy of treatment using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Zung self-rating depression scale (Zung SDS). One hundred thirty outpatients (mean age 48 years) with major depression according to DSM-III were randomized to receive either moclobemide 300 mg or maprotiline 75 mg daily for 4 weeks. From day 8, dosages were increased if necessary up to a maximum of 400 mg of moclobemide or 100 mg of maprotiline. The results showed that moclobemide was as effective as maprotiline (HDRS, Zung SDS); moclobemide appeared to have the same antidepressant and anxiolytic activity, but a stronger drive-enhancing effect. Moclobemide was the better-tolerated drug, producing fewer side effects than maprotiline did: in particular, fewer instances of somnolence and dry mouth. The good tolerability of the compound was confirmed by the qualitative assessments of the study physicians.
Roche Pharma (Schweiz) AG, Reinach.
J P
JP
Gachoud
P
P
Dick
M
M
Köhler
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008376:Maprotiline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020912:Moclobemide; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D008376:Maprotiline; D020912:Moclobemide