CLINICAL EVALUATION OF A TETRACYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANT, MIANSERIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Org GB94, a tetracyclic antidepressant, was administered to 11 cases of involutional melancholia, 23 of MDP, depressed type, 5 of MDP, circular type, 6 of depressive neurosis and one case of reactive depressive psychosis for the total of 46 cases and the following results were obtained. Org GB94 was very effective on 13 cases, effective on 14, slightly effective on 10 and ineffective on 7. There were no aggravated cases and two were lost for follow-up. The effective rate (very effective and effective cases) was 58.7% and when the slightly effective cases were included, the effective rate was 80.4%. The efficacy of Org GB94 based on the very effective and effective cases (plus slightly effective cases) for the different types of depression was as follows. Involutional melancholia 63.6% (90.9%); MDP, depressed type 56.5% (78.3%); MDP, circular type 40.0% (60.0%); Depressive neurosis 66.7% (83.3%). Of the various depressive symptoms, improvement (p < 0.01) of insomnia (delayed) and general somatic symptoms were observed from the 4th day. During the first week a significant (p < 0.01) improvement was observed in depressed mood, insomnia (initial), psychomotor retardation, somatic anxiety, gastrointestinal symptoms, suicidal thoughts, work and interests, psychic anxiety and hypochondriasis. Improvement of agitation was observed after the third week. The optimal dose range of Org GB94 appears to be 30-60 mg a day. As side-effects drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, headache and heavy feelings in head, dizziness, and vertigo were observed, but these were mild in nature and were less frequently seen than with the tricyclic compounds.
