Moclobemide and maprotiline in the treatment of inpatients with major depressive disorder
Laux, G.; Beckmann, H.; Classen, W.; Becker, T.
Journal of Neural Transmission. Supplementum 28: 45-52
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-6995 PMID: 2677241 Document Number: 332006
A double-blind study with the substituted benzamide moclobemide, a novel reversible, short acting MAOI with predominant inhibition of MAO-A, and maprotiline, the most selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor available at present has been conducted in n = 40 severely depressed inpatients suffering from predominantly endogenous depressions. No significant differences between the two drugs were found using global HRSD, HAMA and self rating scales. Regarding the clinical profile moclobemide seemed to be more effective in retarded depressives, maprotiline was superior in alleviating depressive agitation and sleep disturbances. The latter symptoms were responsible for three cases of treatment withdrawal in the moclobemide group. No case of hypertensive crisis could be registered, though patients were not subject to food restrictions. Maximal concentrations of moclobemide in CSF were reached two hours after oral application, compared to tricyclic antidepressants a high CSF/plasma ratio could be detected.