zimeldine and Phobic-Disorders

A double-blind clinical trial of zimeldine, a potent inhibitor of central serotonin reuptake, versus imipramine and placebo was carried out on 44 patients suffering from agoraphobia with panic attacks. Zimeldine was a superior treatment on all rating scales other than a global rating scale which did not reach statistically significant superiority. Imipramine was not shown to be superior to placebo. The implications of these results for further research on the underlying pathophysiology of agoraphobia with panic attacks are discussed.

Topics: Adult; Agoraphobia; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Fear; Female; Humans; Imipramine; Male; Middle Aged; Panic; Phobic Disorders; Serotonin; Zimeldine

A new antidepressant, zimelidine, which is a selective inhibitor of 5-HT-uptake, was tested in an open study of 13 patients, in each of whom the principal clinical diagnosis was phobic neurosis. The dose varied from 200 to 300 mg daily. After 6 weeks of treatment, 6 patients dropped out of the study as they were not appreciably improved, but 7 patients definitely improved and completed a treatment course of at least 12 weeks. In these cases it was possible to observe subjective relief of symptoms, improved social function, increased working capacity and a reduced need for anxiolytics. The effect appeared similar to the previously described effects of clomipramine treatment. The incidence of side effects was low and those that occurred were mild. Tolerance was assessed as very good by the great majority of patients. The study suggests that zimelidine has a favourable effect on mild, moderate, and even in some severe phobic conditions. Some comparisons with MAO-inhibitors were made. The results are sufficiently encouraging to suggest a controlled study.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety; Body Weight; Brompheniramine; Electrocardiography; Humans; Middle Aged; Oxazepam; Phenelzine; Phobic Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Pyridines; Serotonin Antagonists; Zimeldine

Seven patients who were diagnosed as suffering from phobic anxiety were treated with a new antidepressant which causes relatively selective inhibition of serotonin uptake. This compounds, zimelidine, was given for five weeks in doses of up to 300 mg per day. One patient dropped out of the study. Of the remaining six patients all but one made an improvement, which in most cases is thought to have been a drug effect. One patient relapsed some months following treatment and responded again to treatment with zimelidine having failed to respond to other psychotropic drugs.

Topics: Anxiety; Brompheniramine; Female; Humans; Male; Phobic Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Pyridines; Serotonin Antagonists; Zimeldine

Topics: Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Anxiety; Brompheniramine; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phobic Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Pyridines; Serotonin Antagonists; Zimeldine