A Double-Blind Clinical Comparison betweenNomifensine and Amitriptyline in the Treatment ofEndogenous Depressions

Abstract

A double-blind clinical trial was performed in which 27 patients suffering from endogenous depression were included. Randomized assignment resulted in 11 patients treated with amitriptyline and 16 patients treated with nomifensine. The duration of treatment was 4 weeks and the dosage of both drugs ranged from 50 to 150 mg/day. Using the Hamilton Depression Scale both compounds were found to have similar antidepressant activity. The Clinical Global Impression demonstrated a somewhat faster onset of action with nomifensine. The frequency of anticholinergic side effects was lower in the group treated with nomifensine. Laboratory analyses did not reveal changes which could clearly be attributed to the effects of either compound.