MOCLOBEMIDE VERSUS FLUOXETINE FOR A MAJOR DEPRESSIVE EPISODE

The efficacy and tolerability of moclobemide (300-600 mg daily) and fl uoxetine (20-40 mg daily) were compared in a 6-week, double-blind stud y 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). Moclobe mide (300-600 mg daily) and fluoxetine (20-40 mg daily) would thus app ear 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, whi le 40 mg fluoxetine/day does not. Sexual dysfunction was reported in t wo patients taking fluoxetine.