Double-blind comparison of diclofensine with nomifensine in outpatients with dysphoric mood

Depressed outpatients (n = 107, age 26-75 years) were treated with either a 50 mg single morning dose of diclofensine (n = 54) or 75-100 mg nomifensine given in two divided doses (n = 53) over a period of three weeks. The baseline mean values of the Depression Status Inventory (DSI index) of Zung corresponded to those of a mildly depressed population, as given by Zung. At the end of the treatment the mean DSI and Anxiety Status Inventory (ASI-index) values of both groups dropped to the levels of a normal population. The side-effect profile of the two treatments was similar. There were no side-effects indicating sedation. Adverse effects of the anticholinergic type were rare. It can be concluded that both diclofensine and nomifensine are beneficial for the treatment of depressed outpatients and that in a dose relation of 2:3 (diclofensine:nomifensine) they lead to a similar improvement in depressive outpatients.