A double-blind comparison of zimelidine and amitriptyline in depressive out-patients

A double-blind, randomized clinical study was conducted in thirty-four out-patients suffering from major depressive disorders comparing zimelidine with amitriptyline. The dosage was flexible, maintenance doses varying between 50-150 mg in the amitriptyline group and 50-300 mg in the zimelidine group. After a wash-out period of at least a week the mean score in Hamilton Rating Scale for depression (HRS) was 22.2 for zimelidine and 21.9 for amitriptyline. During the treatment period of 6 weeks, zimelidine and amitriptyline appeared to be equally effective as antidepressants in HRS and Global Ratings. The zimelidine group showed significantly less somnolence and dry mouth. No clinically important changes were seen in the laboratory parameters during the study.