Tianeptine and fluoxetine in major depression: a 6-week randomised double-blind study

In a 6-week, multicentre, randomised, double-blind controlled study, tianeptine (37.5 mg/day) and fluoxetine (20 mg/day) were compared for efficacy and safety in 178 patients with major depression. No significant difference was shown between the two drugs, either in terms of efficacy (MADRS, CGI, COVI) or in terms of safety, except for the CGI 'severity of illness' which was lower at the end point with tianeptine than with fluoxetine. The percentages of responders (as defined by a 50% decrease of the MADRS score from baseline to end point) were 75% with tianeptine and 67% with fluoxetine, showing the efficacy of both drugs. In conclusion, both tianeptine and fluoxetine are effective and well-tolerated treatments for major depression.