COMPARISON OF FLUOXETINE AND DESIPRAMINE IN DEPRESSED OUTPATIENTS

Fifty-five moderately severe depressed patients were enrolled in a dou ble-blind, randomized, 6-week study comparing desipramine, a potent no radrenergic compound, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor f luoxetine. Of the 46 patients who completed the study, 26 received flu oxetine (mean dose, 32.2 mg/day) and 20 received desipramine (mean dos e, 160 mg/day). Patients showed significant improvement on the Hamilto n Depression Rating and Clinical Global Impression Scales from study i nitiation to termination with no statistically significant differences between drugs. Fewer side effects of less severe intensity were noted with fluoxetine compared with desipramine.