Use of phenelzine in continuation therapy

In 18 depressed patients, phenelzine had proved to be a beneficial drug during treatment of the acute illness. Following 4 weeks' remission induced by either 45 or 60 mg/day, patients were assigned to take part in a double-blind study in which the dose either remained fixed at the original dose, or was decreased by 15 mg/month and eventually replaced by placebo. 15 patients completed the study. Patients who remained at the same dose did significantly better on measures of anxiety and depression. The dropout rate ('relapse' rate) also differed significantly between the two dose groups. It is concluded that in this group of patients, maintenance of the full dose of phenelzine is recommended for at least 6 months.