The effects of psychomotor performance of fluvoxamine versus mianserin in depressed patients in general practice.

This study examined the psychomotor and antidepressant effects of fluvoxamine in a depressed, GP patient population, compared to those of mianserin. It was a single centre, double-blind, six-week study, preceded by a one-week pre-treatment placebo washout, in 59 patients suffering from major depressive episode (DSM III) and scoring over 24 on MADRS. The starting dose was 100 mg fluvoxamine or 60 mg mianserin daily for one week, rising to 300 mg fluvoxamine or 180 mg mianserin. Both treatment groups showed significant improvement over time with no differences between drugs in terms of efficacy. Fluvoxamine and mianserin were both shown to be effective in the treatment of depressive illness. Some psychomotor impairment in the first few days and weight gain over a longer period could affect compliance with mianserin. Fluvoxamine does not reduce psychomotor performance or cause weight gain.