A Clinical Study of the Selective MAO-A-Inhibitor Moclobemide (Ro 11-1163): a Comparison of 2 Different Dosages with Particular Reference to Platelet MAO-Activity and Urinary MHPG-Excretion

Abstract

A new selective MAO-A-inhibitor (noclobemide) was used in a double-blind comparative study of 23 patients with severe unipolar or bipolar depressive disorder. Two different doses of medication were given for 4 weeks. Effectiveness was measured by improvements in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, a self-rating scale and clinical global impression. Platelet MAO-activity and urinary MHPG-excretion was also determined.

Moclobemide proved to be a well-tolerated and effective antidepressant, with both groups showing improvement.

Platelet MAO-activity was not markedly influenced by moclobemide, possibly because it selectively inhibits MAO-A. Urinary MHPG did not change significantly with treatment.