FLUOXETINE VERSUS PHENELZINE IN ATYPICAL DEPRESSION

A study was conducted to compare the relative efficacy of fluoxetine a nd phenelzine in patients with mood-reactive atypical depression. Fort y-two patients with atypical depression by the Columbia criteria were studied in a randomized, double-blind treatment study. Following a sin gle-blind placebo lead-in, patients received fluoxetine 20-60 mg/day o r phenelzine 45-90 mg/day for 6 weeks, Efficacy was measured by the Ha milton Depression Rating Scale, the Clinical Global Impression (Severi ty and Improvement) scales, and the Patient Global Impression (Improve ment) scale, Of 42 patients randomized, 2 patients never received drug s and 2 phenelzine-treated patients dropped out prior to completion; t he remainder completed the 6 weeks of the study, The Fates of treatmen t response did not differ between groups. With a few exceptions (e.g,, tremor), phenelzine produced more frequent adverse effects than fluox etine, It was concluded that fluoxetine is as effective as phenelzine in the treatment of atypical depression, but produces fewer adverse ef fects and is better tolerated. (C) 1996 Society of Biological Psychiat ry