Rolipram versus lmipramine in Inpatients with Major, “Minor” or Atypical Depressive Disorder: A Double-Blind Double-Dummy Study Aimed at Testing a Novel Therapeutic Approach

Unlike conventional antidepressants, rolipram stimulates both the presynaptic as well as the postsynaptic component of monoaminergic transmisson. Several double-blind comparative trials are on the way to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of this novel compound.The present study was a randomized double-blind double-dummy comparison with imipramine in inpatients with major. “minor” and atypical depressions (DSM III). Results show no relevant differences between rolipram and imipramine regarding efficacy and safety.