Brofaromine in treatment-resistant depressed patients--a comparative trial versus tranylcypromine

In a controlled clinical inpatient trial (n = 93) comparing the efficacy and safety of brofaromine versus tranylcypromine for 6 weeks in treatment-resistant major depressed patients, the two drugs were found to be of comparable afficacy and tolerability. The response rate (a 50% reduction) on the Hamilton Scale for Depression (HAMD) in both groups was about 73%. The most common side effects in the brofaromine group were sleep disorders, hypotension, tremor and dryness of mouth; and in the tranylcypromine group sleep disorders, fatigue, hypotension, tremor and vertigo. Methodological and practical clinical implications of the results are discussed.