Effects of a levo-5-hydroxytryptophan-dihydroergocristine combination on depression and neuropsychic performance: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in elderly patients.

Fifty elderly patients (mean age, 68 years) affected by depression were treated with a combination (P3007) containing 3 mg of dihydroergocristine and 100 mg of levo-5-hydroxytryptophan or placebo for 60 days in a double-blind trial. Efficacy of treatment was evaluated by means of neuropsychic tests and rating scales for depression before treatment and after 30 and 60 days. Patients treated with the drug combination showed significant improvements in their depressive state and psychic performance, whereas no change was observed in patients receiving placebo. The treatment was well tolerated.