CLOVOXAMINE FUMARATE - ANTIDEPRESSANT OR ANXIOLYTIC

A randomised placebo-controlled trial of clovoxamine fumarate was carried out in 44 outpatients with major depression. Patients were rated on scales for depression and anxiety after a one-week washout period and after two and four weeks' treatment with either clovoxamine or placebo. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the total depression scores, but a significant difference in favour of clovoxamine in the Leeds Self-Assessment of Anxiety General Scale. Unwanted effects in both groups were mild but gastrointestinal symptoms occurred more often and lasted longer in patients receiving clovoxamine. The question as to whether clovoxamine is an antidepressant or an anxiolytic is addressed and the specificity of action of psychotropic drugs in general discussed.