Comparative trial of a new mono-amine oxidase inhibitor in depression.

The use of mono-amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) entails the risk of hypertensive crises with various foodstuffs and other drugs. On the other hand, the tricycic antidepressants have a slow onset of action, and this may be a serious disadvantage in a condition like acute depression where there is always a danger of suicide. The use of an MAOI can therefore be justified if it is shown to be more effective than the tricyclic compounds. M and B 9302 (N-3-(2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) propyl-N-methylprop-2-ynylamine hydrochloride) is a new mono-amine oxidase inhibitor, reported to be a highly potent antidepressant (Bailey, ig6g; Herd, 1969). The G.P. Research Group arranged for i8 of its members to compare the drug to imipramine in a double blind trial, one of a series aided by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Public Health Service (MY-4135 (CI), MH 0143-05 and PH 43-65-626), and conducted in similar manner to a previous study reported in thisjournal (Wheatley, 1969a).