Multicenter evaluation of maprotiline hydrochloride for treatment of depression

Maprotiline hydrochloride tablets were given to 266 patients with either a dysthymic disorder or a major depressive disorder. The mean starting dosage was 70.2 mg/day in patients younger than 60 years of age and 68.6 mg/day in those aged 60 years and over. For patients completing at least four weeks of treatment, the mean final dosage was 127.6 mg/day in younger patients and 100.0 mg/day in geriatric patients. Follow-up evaluations of response and adverse effects were made at each of the following intervals after the start of therapy: one week, two to three weeks, four to five weeks, and six weeks or more. Assessment of response was based on the physicians' evaluations of overall improvement and improvement in sleep pattern, anxiety level, mood, and drive. Eighteen patients never returned and were excluded from all assessments. The remaining patients were evaluated for observations recorded within the foregoing time intervals. A rapid onset of action was evident in the fact that 73% of evaluated patients had at least a minimal response after one week of treatment, and after six weeks 76% had achieved moderate or marked improvement in their overall condition. Patients' sleeping patterns showed the most rapid and dramatic response, with 59% of evaluated patients improved after one week and 90% after six weeks of maprotiline. Anxiety decreased in 57% of patients after one week and in 81% after six weeks. Depression was reduced in 46% of evaluated patients after one week and in 86% after six weeks. Forty-one percent of patients exhibited more drive after one week of maprotiline and 78% did so after six weeks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)