BROFAROMINE IN NONENDOGENOUS MAJOR DEPRESSED INPATIENTS - RESULTS OF A PRELIMINARY DOSE-FINDING TRIAL VERSUS TRANYLCYPROMINE

In a controlled, double-blind, comparative four-week trial on reactive or neurotic major depressed inpatients, the efficacy and safety of th e new selective and reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A, brofaromine, was evaluated in three dose steps (50 mg/day [N=13], 100 mg/day [N=12], and 150 mg/day [N=11]) versus 20 mg tranylcypromine/day (N=11). In the four groups a pronounced reduction of the depressive s ymptomatology (measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale, the Zung Sel f-Rating Scale of Depression, and by a global evaluation of efficacy) was found, but it was not possible to show any differential effect. Th e safety parameters in all groups were comparable. The results of the trial are compared with other trials of monoamine oxidase inhibitors i n this patient group and the possible reasons for the lack of a clear dose-response relationship are discussed.