Summary
A multicentre randomised double-blind controlled study using minaprine vs placebo was carried out in 130 elderly patients suffering from prolonged depressive reaction (ICD 9, 309.1). After a 15-day run-in period, either oral minaprine 100mg twice daily or placebo was given for 90 days (double-blind period) and then both groups were treated with minaprine at the same dosage (open period). Depressive symptoms were assessed by means of the ‘Evaluation Clinique de la Personnalité’ scale and the Symptom Rating Test. At the end of the double-blind period, the minaprine group showed improvement in the majority of psychological parameters, while after the open period the ‘ex-placebo group’ showed a more pronounced improvement, reaching approximately the same level as the minaprine group. Tolerability was highly satisfactory in both groups. The high frequency and clinical relevance of depression due to stressful events in the elderly supports the therapeutic value of minaprine, an atypical antidepressant agent devoid of anticholinergic effects.
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Parnetti, L., Sommacal, S., Labate, A.M.M. et al. Multicentre Controlled Randomised Double-Blind Placebo Study of Minaprine in Elderly Patients Suffering from Prolonged Depressive Reaction. Drug Invest 6, 181–188 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03259242
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03259242