Clinical study of mianserin, imipramine and placebo in depression: blood level and MHPG correlations.

1. The clinical efficacy of mianserin, a tetracyclic compound, was compared with imipramine and placebo in 47 hospitalized depressed patients. 2. The clinical ratings showed that the three treatment groups improved equivalently during hospitalization. 3. Plasma levels of mianserin correlated with changes in the Hamilton Rating Scale for depression, total score and two of its factors (anxiety/somatization, and retardation) and the item 'late insomnia'. 4. Drowsiness was a more frequent side-effect among mianserin patients on day 4; no other side-effect distinguished the treatments. 5. No relationship between MHPG levels and treatment or treatment outcome were observed.