Viloxazine in depressed women: clinical response and cardiovascular effects.

The antidepressant effect of viloxazine (300 and 500 mg/day) was investigated for 4 weeks in 26 depressed women. The decrease in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score indicated a prompt overall clinical improvement, the depressed mood and suicide items showing the highest percent diminution. The highest plasma level of viloxazine was reached at day 7 and decreased during treatment only with the 500 mg dosage. Blood pressure and pulse rate responses to orthostatic stress were slightly affected and showed few untoward cardiovascular reactions to drug treatment. The decrease of noradrenaline plasma levels in both postural positions might indicate a lower sympathetic nervous system tone.