Double blind test with mianserin versus chlorimipramine

Abstract

The Authors report a double-blind study to compare mianserin and chlorimipramine efficacy in the treatment of two groups of 30 depressed patients. The trial confirms that mianserin has an antidepressant effect similar to that of chlorimipramine with fewer side effects. During the study some subjects were tested by Electrodermic Response to acoustic stimuli, comparing the results with the responses of patients treated with chlorimipramine. Furthermore, the plasmatic beta-endorphin level in 10 subjects treated with mianserin was compared with values found in basic conditions. The significant decrease of the plasmatic beta-endorphin level after treatment with mianserin suggests that the drug may act as an antidepressant, by varying the endorphinergic cerebral activity.