Nomifensine and maprotiline in endogenous depression: comparative efficacy and side effects

50 patients suffering from endogenous depression were admitted to a double-blind study comparing the efficacy of nomifensine and maprotiline and the side effects associated with treatment. A total of 28 patients, 14 on nomifensine and 14 on maprotiline completed the study. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression before administering the drugs and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Also noted if present was the day on which marked improvement was reported. At each assessment period incidence and severity of side effects were registered. On the basis of this study, nomifensine and maprotiline were both found clinically to have marked antidepressant action. The difference in response did not reach statistical significance, although there was a trend towards better improvement on nomifensine at the end of the 1st and 4th weeks. There was a rapid onset of action with both compounds. Significantly more severe side effects developed in those patients treated with maprotiline compared to those treated with nomifensine.