Zimelidine: comparison of different dosage regimes in general practice.

Various studies have demonstrated that depressive symptoms are a frequent and important problem in general practice. Zimelidine has been shown to have effective antidepressant activity. A controlled double-blind trial was set up to compare the efficacy and side effects of zimelidine when given as a single daily dose (200 mg night or morning) and when given as a divided dose (100 mg b.d.). These three dosage schedules were studied. The trial was conducted among patients attending their general practitioners and suffering from a depressive disorder. Using one of the three dosage schedules, these patients were treated with zimelidine for a minimum period of 6 weeks. Symptom severity was measured by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the side effects assessed using an adverse event record and a symptom checklist. The findings are discussed.