Minaprine and imipramine in the treatment of major depressive disorders. A comparative double-blind study

Minaprine dihydrochloride is an aminopyridazine derivative which is chemically unrelated to other known psychotropic drugs. In rodents minaprine is active in most models of depression and is thought to exert this activity by enhancing serotonergic and dopaminergic transmission. In humans minaprine has been shown to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of major depressive episodes as defined by the DSM-III. In the present study, the efficacy and safety of minaprine (100 mg b.i.d.) in the treatment of major depressive disorders (DSM-III) were compared with those of imipramine (50 b.i.d.) in 104 patients, in a 4-week randomized, double-blind, multicentre trial. The two drugs were comparable in efficacy as judged by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, a Clinical Global impression and a Zung Self-Rating Scale. The onset of activity appeared to be significantly more rapid with minaprine. The incidence and intensity of unwanted effects was significantly higher in the imipramine treatment group.