The experience of pirazidolum usage in the treatment of non-psychotic depression

Pirazidolum ("Masterlek", Russia) was used in the treatment of 30 patients with recurrent depression (ICD-10 item F33) and depression episode (F32), mild and moderate types. The initial dose was 50-75 mg daily, mean dose - 200-350 mg daily, treatment course - 28 days. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, Hamilton depression (HAM-D) scale and side effects scale (UKU). Significant improvement was revealed in 73% of the patients. A trend to improvement scored on HAM-D was detected by 2 treatment week 2, and pronounced improvement (more than a half- decreased total score) - by week 4. Only 27,6% of the patients had weak side effects (dry mouth, sweatiness, tachycardia etc) that did not demand any changes in the treatment course. The authors believe that pirazidolum may be refered to antidepressants which are effective for depression with a prevalent positive affect.