A double-blind comparison of moclobemide and toloxatone in out-patients presenting a major depressive disorder.

A double-blind comparison of moclobemide and toloxatone was performed in adult out-patients diagnosed as suffering from a major depressive disorder. Parallel groups of patients received moclobemide, 450 mg/day (n = 135) or toloxatone, 1000 mg/day (n = 133) for 28 days. Both groups showed a significant clinical improvement while on therapy; the response was most marked and rapid in those receiving moclobemide treatment. Improvement was greatest in those patients with the most severe depression at the time of trial onset. A significantly higher number of patients returned to normal sleep patterns following moclobemide treatment than following toloxatone. Overall, tolerance was rated as good or very good in more than 80% of patients. The most frequent complaints in the moclobemide-treated group were hot flushes, dry mouth, constipation and headache, while an increase in anxiety was associated with toloxatone usage. Moclobemide was found to be as effective as toloxatone in the treatment of major depressive episodes, but with the advantages of improved sleep patterns and reduced anxiety.