Open comparative randomised study of moclobemide versus amitriptyline in major depressive illness (DSM IIIR) in...

In a multi-centre study, 60 patients (20 males and 40 females aged 43 +/- 15 and 37 +/- 15 years respectively) with a DSM-IIIR diagnosis of major depressive disorders were randomly assigned to treatment with either Moclobemide (maximum dose 600 mg per day) or Amitriptyline (maximum dose 150 mg per day) for eight weeks. Patients were evaluated pretreatment and over the 8 weeks treatment period using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the clinical global impressions (CGI). The Adverse Drug Effects Schedule, clinical, haematological and biochemical status were also evaluated pre, during and post treatment. Of the 60 patients enrolled for the study 54 were found evaluable for efficacy whilst all 60 were evaluated for safety (Adverse Event). On the HDRS and CGI scale there was no significant difference in the therapeutic outcome between the two treatment groups. In the overall clinical assessment rating at the end of treatment 94.1% of patients in the Moclobemide group were rated 'very good to good' and 94.4% with Amitriptyline. Moclobemide appeared to have a slightly better safety profile, the incidence of adverse event was 9.0% compared to 19.0% with Amitriptyline. The drop out rate was 16.7% and 26.7% for moclobemide and amitriptyline respectively. These differences were however not statistically significant. It was therefore concluded that moclobemide is an effective and safe alternative to amitriptyline, with attractive potential for out patients management of depressive illness.