RIMA--a new concept in the treatment of depression with moclobemide

Moclobemide, a specific reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase that shows a preference for the A isoenzyme, has been developed as a new antidepressive agent. Unlike earlier generation monoamine oxidase inhibitors, moclobemide is devoid of any clinically significant tyramine interaction, thus making dietary restrictions during therapy unnecessary. In comparative trials, moclobemide has been found to be superior to placebo and similar to imipramine, clomipramine, and amitriptyline in clinical efficacy. Long-term trials involving moclobemide therapy for up to one year have indicated that antidepressant efficacy can be maintained for this period. Tolerance is good and is significantly better than for tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, unlike the tricyclic antidepressants, overdoses of moclobemide do not appear to be life-threatening.