A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of pirlindole, a reversible monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, in the treatment of depression.
The efficacy and safety of pirlindole (300 mg/day), a new reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A, have been evaluated in a multicentre placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial in 103 in-patients suffering from unipolar major depression (DSM-III-R 296.2, 296.3) over a 42-day period after a run-in placebo period of 6 days. Pirlindole produced a significantly greater decrease than placebo in the Hamilton depression score (from day 28), the Hamilton anxiety score (from day 28) and the Montgomery-Asberg depression score (on day 42). On day 42, the Hamilton depression score was < or = 7, > or = 8 and < or = 15, or > or = 16 in 21%, 45% and 34%, respectively, in the placebo group compared to 72%, 24% and 3.4%, respectively, in the pirlindole group (P < 0.001). The differences between the two groups in terms of tolerance and safety were not statistically significant.
De Wilde
J E
JE
Neuropsychiatric Clinic, St Camillus, Sint-Denijs-Westrem, Belgium.
Geerts
S
S
Van Dorpe
J
J
Bruhwyler
J
J
Géczy
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001530:Belgium; D002227:Carbazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D002227:Carbazoles; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; C009830:pirlindole