Controlled study comparing nomifensine and clomipramine in unipolar depression using the probenecid technique

摘要

>1 Central dopamine turnover may be lowered in patients with unipolar endogenous depression, particularly when associated with retardation.>2 Nomifensine selectively activates the central dopaminergic system and may be of special therapeutic value in patients with motor inhibition.>3 A double-blind comparison of clomipramine and nomifensine was carried out in patients with recurrent unipolar depression. Biochemical and clinical assessments were carried out weekly for 4 weeks.>4 The mean homovanillic acid level in cisternal liquor of those patients who responded to nomifensine, was significantly lower than the mean level of the total group.>5 The factor `retardation' on the Hamilton Depression Scale was improved more with nomifensine than with clomipramine.