A comparison study of moclobemide and doxepin in major depression with special reference to effects on sexual dysfunction.

A double-blind parallel-group comparison study of moclobemide versus doxepin in 237 patients with major depression confirmed that moclobemide was equal in efficacy and better tolerated than doxepin. It was less sedating and caused fewer anticholinergic adverse events as measured by the UKU side-effect rating scale. Unexpectedly, moclobemide therapy more often than doxepin resulted in increased sexual desire. An exploratory analysis of UKU-measured symptoms of impaired sexual function prior to commencement of the study revealed that moclobemide more often than doxepin led to an improvement of reduced libido and impaired erection, ejaculation and orgasm. This finding is compatible with the assumption that there is a greater likelihood that the anticholinergic reuptake inhibitor doxepin has a higher risk of impairing sexual function than the non-anticholinergic RIMA moclobemide. A single case report of moclobemide-induced sexual hyperarousal supports the alternative assumption that moclobemide has a specific sexually stimulative effect in depression.