[Moclobemide in the treatment of depression--an overview]

Moclobemide, a benzamidederivate, is a reversible, selective MAOI with a predominant effect upon MAO-A. In clinical trials with moclobemide so far no clearcut tyramine interaction leading to a hypertensive crisis has been reported and no case of hepatotoxicity has been observed. Open and double-blind studies have shown moclobemide to be an activating antidepressant whose efficacy is superior to placebo and comparable to standard tricyclics. The global tolerance has been shown to be better than in tricyclics, frequency of (anticholinergic) side effects has been lower compared to tricyclics. Our data confirmed the antidepressant efficacy of moclobemide with a rapid onset of action and activating properties devoid of clinically relevant tyramine interactions. As side-effects restlessness, paraesthesias, nausea and sleep disturbances were noted; sleep disturbances could not be improved in most cases. In the light of existing clinical data moclobemide may become an exponent of the "renaissance" of MAOI in the treatment of retarded depression.