[Initial results of treatment with the new antidepressant Upstene]

On 52 cases treated with Upstene IV or per os, in double blind with clomipramine or in open study, we have obtained 47 good or excellent results. The remission can be spectacular and obtained very rapidly in 1 to 4 days. Upstene does not give any secondary effects. A remarquable specificity of Upstene has been observed in obsessionnal and phobic neuroses: 25 positive results on 27 cases. Upstene is very active on 5 HT reuptake, particularly in the limbic system; it reduces cutral 5 HIAA metabolism which would probably explain its beneficial effect on obsessional or phobic neuroses, in which 5 HIAA is increased in the brain. Furthermore, limbic lobectomy gives 84% of positive results.