Assessment of the clinical activity of fluoxetin (Prozac) according of the "Stars of Liège" model
Ansseau, M.; Bataille, M.; Bobon, D.; Cerfontaine, J.L.; Charles, G.; Couteaux, F.; Diricq, S.; Fraipont, J.; Gernay, P.; Troisfontaines, B.
Acta Psychiatrica Belgica 88(2): 127-137
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8967 PMID: 2905109 Document Number: 306385
Ten psychiatrists have independently rated the clinical profile of fluoxetin (Prozac) at the daily dose of 20 mg according to a "Stars of Liège" model comprising three parameters of therapeutic activity (antidepressant, psychostimulant and anxiolytic) and three parameters of side-effects (anticholinergic, sedative and hypotensive). Each parameter, graduated from 0 to 5 (no, very weak, weak, moderate, potent, very potent effect) was rated by each investigator according to his personal experience with at least 10 patients. Mean ratings given to fluoxetine show a moderate antidepressant effect, equal to amitriptyline (Rédomex, Tryptizol 75 mg/d, clomipramine (Anafranil 75 mg/d and nialamide (Niamide 100 mg/d, weak psychostimulating and anxiolytic effects, a very weak sedative effect and a lack of anticholinergic and hypotensive effects. Digestive side-effects of moderate intensity were also noted as well as a very weak anorexia. The important variability between investigators in the rating of the clinical profile of fluoxetine suggests that more experience is needed in order to define better its physiognomy.