A DOUBLE‐BLIND INTENSIVE CROSSOVER DESIGN TRIAL OF METHYSERGIDE IN MANIA

Abstract

Five patients were treated with methysergide or placebo for 14 days in a double-blind crossover trial. In the light of the results obtained, a further subject was tested at a higher dose level, and the methysergide was alternated with placebo every three days. The initial results were equivocal, but suggested that methysergide was less effective than placebo. The final subject demonstrated convincingly that deterioration occurred during methysergide therapy. The results are discussed in the light of the supposed relationships between mania and depression.