[Double-blind trial of 2 antidepressive drugs]

Abstract

The results of a double blind trial of Viloxazine and Desipramine in 30 hospitalized depressives are reported. Hamilton's Rating Scale for Depression was the outcome criterion. No statistically significant differences were found between drugs in efficacy and onset of action. Patients on either drug showed a significant reduction in symptoms after one week of treatment and at the end of the trial. Side effects reported with Viloxazine were predominantly nausea and dizziness of a transient nature. Patients on Desipramine reported the usual side effects associated with antidepressant use and two of them had to be withdrawn from the trial because of an allergic rash. Laboratory values and EKG tracings did not show any trend of abnormalities. It is concluded that Viloxazine is an effective and safe antidepressive drug and seems to be particularly indicated in geriatric and cardiovascular patients with a concomitant depression.