[Double-blind comparison of the effects of a new tricyclic antidepressant (Lofepramine) and a tetracyclic antidepressant (maprotiline)].

Two random groups of depressed out-patients were treated with either Maprotiline or the new antidepressant Lofepramine. The depressive state was assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) before and after 1, 3 and 6 weeks of treatment. Both drugs produced remarkable improvement globally in total HAM-D score as well as in the symptom clusters. The differences in both groups are not significant, but compiling the results of adverse reactions and the therapeutic effect, the treatment outcome in the Lofepramine group was slightly superior.