Controlled study comparing nomifensine and clomipramine in unipolar depression, using the probenecid technique

1. Central dopamine turnover may be lowered in patients with unipolar endogenous depression particularly when associated with retardation. 2. Nomifensine selectively activates the central dopaminergic system and may be of special therapeutic value in patients with motor inhibition. 3. A double-blind comparison of clomipramine and nomifensine was carried out in patients with recurrent unipolar depression. Biochemical and clinical assessments were carried out weekly for 4 weeks. 4. The mean homovanillic acid level in cisternal liquor of those patients who responded to nomifensine, was significantly lower than the mean level of the total group. 5. The factor "retardation" on the Hamilton Depression Scale was improved more with nomifensine than with clomipramine.