Nomifensine vs. imipramine in depressed inpatients

In a double-blind random assignment study, nomifensine was compared to imipramine in a population of depressed male inpatients (N = 36; ages 22-56 years). Nomifensine and imipramine in doses of 100-150 mg/day were found to be comparable over the 4-week treatment period on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impressions. The Self-Rating Symptom Scale showed differences favoring nomifensine for the Depression factor at Days 3, 7, and 10. In extensive laboratory analyses, no clinically important changes were seen within or between groups. Although differences were not significant, more discomforting side effects--specifically, anticholinergic, nervousness/restlessness, and sedation--were seen in the imipramine than the nomifensine group. These results indicate that nomifensine compares favorably with imipramine in the treatment of depressed inpatients.