Brofaromine in non-endogenous major depressed inpatients : results of a preliminary dose-finding trial versus tranylcypromine

: In a controlled, double-blind, comparative four-week trial on reactive or neurotic major depressed inpatients, the efficacy and safety of the new selective and reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A, brofaromine, was evaluated in three dose steps (50 mg/day [N = 13], 100 mg/day [N = 12], and 150 mg/day [N = 11]) versus 20 mg tranylcypromine/day (N = 11). In the four groups a pronounced reduction of the depressive symptomatology (measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale, the Zung Self-Rating Scale of Depression, and by a global evaluation of efficacy) was found, but it was not possible to show any differential effect. The safety parameters in all groups were comparable. The results of the trial are compared with other trials of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in this patient group and the possible reasons for the lack of a clear dose-response relationship are discussed.