Maprotiline versus imipramine and placebo in neurotic depression.

The antidepressant effect of maprotiline, a tetracyclic compound, was compared with that of imipramine in a four-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study with neurotic depressives. On all factors of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and on most items of the Zung Self-Rating Scales for Depression and Anxiety, maprotiline appeared slightly more effective than imipramine and showed a faster onset of action. In addition, it appeared to cause fewer anticholinergic side effects.