Efficacy of a reversible monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor versus imipramine in subgroups of depressed patients.

Two multicentre studies comparing moclobemide with imipramine under similar conditions in patients undergoing a major depressive episode (DSM-III) were combined in the present analysis. A total of 353 patients received moclobemide (300-600 mg/day) and 356 imipramine (100-200 mg/day). In each study, the antidepressant efficacy of the 2 drugs was comparable, and subgroup analysis showed that moclobemide and imipramine were equally effective in endogenous depression. The response rate did not appear to be influenced by sex, but patients older than 60 years tended to respond less well to both drugs than did those under 60. The conclusion from the 2 studies is that, contrary to what is frequently stated for monoamine oxidase inhibitors, moclobemide appears as effective as a tricyclic in treating endogenous depression.