The efficacy of zimeldine in preventing depressive episodes in recurrent major depressive disorders--a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

The efficacy of zimeldine in preventing depressive episodes in recurrent major depressive disorders was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 40 patients. The intended study period was 18 months. The results showed zimeldine to be significantly more effective than placebo, both in terms of preventing recurrence (t-test: P less than 0.001) and the withdrawal rate (Cox's test: P less than 0.01). Adverse symptoms for zimeldine did not differ from placebo. There were no noteworthy changes in clinical chemistry, blood pressure, ECG and pulse rate.