A double-blind dose-finding study of rolipram in patients with major depressive disorder

Rolipram improves signal transmission in central noradrenergic neurones with a novel mechanism of action: enhanced noradrenaline (first messenger) synthesis and release, and inhibition of cAMP (second messenger) breakdown. Several comparative trials to prove antidepressant activity are under way. Results of a multicentre double‐blind trial with three different dosages of rolipram involving 98 patients will be presented. Reponse rates in all dosages were similar and comparable to those reported in the literature on tricyclic antidepressants. In addition rolipram was tolerated well. A significant relationship between dosages and effects, however, could not be established.