A comparison of the efficacy and side-effects of mianserin and clomipramine in primary depression: a double-blind randomized trial

Summary

Thirty-two patients with primary depression completed treatment either with mianserin (30 to 60 mg daily) or with clomipramine (75 to 150 mg daily) in a double-blind, randomized trial. After a 1-week wash-out period, the trial drugs were given for 4 weeks. Patients' response to treatment was assessed at weekly intervals by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Beck Self-Rating Depression Inventory and the Clinical Global Impressions scale. Both drugs were found to be effective and there were no significant differences between the groups in response, except that mianserin appeared to have a more rapid onset of action. Tolerance was better in the mianserin group and there was significantly less tremor, hypotension, dry mouth and blurred vision reported than in patients treated with clomipramine.

Key Words::

• Mianserin
• clomipramine
• antidepressive agents
• depression