A comparison of phenelzine and imipramine in depressed inpatients

Phenelzine and imipramine were compared double-blind, in 43 depressed inpatients. A placebo week preceded drug treatment; this allowed early identification of placebo responders who did not therefore enter the study. After three weeks treatment, the two drugs were equally effective on Hamilton, Beck and SCL-90 measures of depression and anxiety. On the the SCL-90 scales of hostility and paranoia imipramine was more effective; in some patients phenelzine was associated with increased hostility. Measurement of MAO inhibition and plasma tricyclic levels indicated that adequate doses were generally used - (mean 81 mg/day phenelzine and 144 mg/day imipramine).