A double-blind multicentre trial comparing mianserin with imipramine.

1. Fifty-four depressive in-patients aged 18-45 yr, were treated at random, in double-blind conditions, with mianserin 60 mg daily or imipramine 150 mg daily in three divided doses for 4 weeks. Nitrazepam and diazepam were also allowed if necessary. 2. There was no significant difference in antidepressant efficacy between the two groups, as assessed by the rating scales of Hamilton, Beck and Overall, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, and a global clinical rating. 3. The overall frequency of side-effects was significantly lower with mianserin than with imipramine. Autonomic symptoms increased in severity during treatment with imipramine, but not with mianserin. 4. the patients treated with imipramine had a fall in blood pressure which was not observed during mianserin treatment.