A double-blind comparison of moclobemide and toloxatone in out-patients presenting a major depressive disorder.

A double-blind comparison of moclobemide and toloxatone was performed in adult out-patients diagnosed as suffering from a major depressive disorder. Parallel groups of patients received moclobemide, 450 mg/day (n = 135) or toloxatone, 1000 mg/day (n = 133) for 28 days. Both groups showed a significant clinical improvement while on therapy; the response was most marked and rapid in those receiving moclobemide treatment. Improvement was greatest in those patients with the most severe depression at the time of trial onset. A significantly higher number of patients returned to normal sleep patterns following moclobemide treatment than following toloxatone. Overall, tolerance was rated as good or very good in more than 80% of patients. The most frequent complaints in the moclobemide-treated group were hot flushes, dry mouth, constipation and headache, while an increase in anxiety was associated with toloxatone usage. Moclobemide was found to be as effective as toloxatone in the treatment of major depressive episodes, but with the advantages of improved sleep patterns and reduced anxiety.

A double-blind comparison of moclobemide and amineptine in the treatment of depressed out-patients.

A randomized, double-blind, multicentre study was performed to compare the effects of moclobemide and amineptine in the treatment of endogenous depression in out-patients. Ninety patients received moclobemide, 450 mg/day and 94 received amineptine 200 mg/day in two parallel groups, over a trial period of 8 weeks. At the end of 4 weeks doses could be reduced to 300 mg/day, moclobemide and 100 mg/day, amineptine if required. All evaluated patients showed a significant clinical improvement during treatment, but no significant difference occurred between the groups. When patients were asked to assess the benefit of their treatment, 76% thought their condition had improved following moclobemide therapy, compared to 53% of those receiving amineptine. Both drugs were well tolerated, and over 60% of patients reported no side-effects. Moclobemide appeared to be as effective as amineptine in the treatment of these patients, and was significantly better tolerated.

Antidepressants and cognition: comparative effects of moclobemide, viloxazine and maprotiline.

The respective effects of three antidepressant drugs (moclobemide, 450 mg/j; viloxazine, 300 mg/j; maprotiline, 150 mg/j) on vigilance, attention, and memory were compared. Young depressed outpatients (n = 46) entered a double-blind, randomized, monocentre clinical trial lasting for 6 weeks. Drug actions were assessed through the regular determination of critical flicker fusion point (CFF), reaction times (SRT), and a battery to measure memory components. None of the three drugs caused deterioration in cognitive functions. On the other hand, moclobemide improved both vigilance and attention (CFF, SRT) and some crucial components of memory (general memory scores, delayed word recall, recognition of familiar faces). This effect was rapid, stable, and superior to those of viloxazine and maprotiline. It may be explained by moclobemide's selective and reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase A, as well as by the lack of any anticholinergic action.