A double-blind, fixed blood-level study comparing mirtazapine with imipramine in depressed in-patients

摘要: Antidepressant effects of mirtazapine and imipramine were compared in a randomized, double blind, fixed blood-level study with in-patients single centre. Patients DSM-III-R diagnosis major depression Hamilton (17-item) score ≥18 selected. After drug-free placebowashout period 7 days total, 107 patients still fulfilling the HRSD criterion ≥18, started on active treatment. The dose was adjusted to predefined blood level avoid suboptimal dosing imipramine. Concomitant psychotropic medication administered only few cases because intolerable anxiety or psychotic symptoms. Eight dropped out two excluded from analyses non-compliance; 97 completed study. According main response (50% more reduction score) 11/51 (21.6%) responded 23/46 (50%) after 4 weeks' treatment level. Such dramatic difference efficacy between antidepressants has not often been reported before. selection (severely ill) in-patients, including those suicidal features, may have significance this respect. Optimization reference drug through control, exclusion non-compliance for both drugs, most concomitant low drop-out rate also contributed. It is concluded that superior patient population studied.