Effect of mianserin and additional fluid intake on depression and blood urea concentration in elderly patients

36 elderly outpatients (mean age 68.6 years) with depression and increased blood urea level were treated with mianserin (60 mg every evening). All patients were ordered to drink additionally 11 of mineral water per day, which only 30 patients complied with. The patients who complied with the ordered increase in fluid intake (responder, n = 30) showed in comparison to those who did not comply (non-responder, n = 6) a significant improvement in depression (i.e., HAM-D, p < 0.001) after a four week period of treatment (t2). The responders' blood urea level normalized whereas the non-responders' level, although lowered, still remained in the pathological range.