Experiences with doxepin and trazodone in the therapy with outpatients suffering from depression.

In a double-blind study on 40 outpatients (20 per group) suffering from endogenous and psychogenic depression of the anxious-agitated or inhibited form, trazodone was compared with doxepin to determine their efficacy and safety, and whether a single daily administration was adequate. Increasing doses of trazodone 50-200 mg and doxepin 25-100 mg were given once a day in the evening for a period of 5 weeks. Both drugs were found to be approximately equivalent as far as their antidepressive and anxiolytic effects and safety are concerned. Treatment with trazodone promises less risks according to the clinical experience described in the international literature. Administration once a day provides sufficient efficacy and safety.