OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of Modified Xiaoyao Decoction (MXD) combining clomipramine in treatment of depression.

METHODSOne hundred and five depression patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The treated group (53 patients), all were differentiated as Gan-qi stagnation syndrome type and treated with MXD combining clomipramine 25-50 mg/d. The control group (52 patients) treated with clomipramine 75-225 mg/d alone. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks in both groups. Scores of depression was assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) before treatment and at the 2nd, 4th, 8th week of the treatment, efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated with Global Impression of Change (CGI) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) respectively.

RESULTSAfter treatment the scores in both groups were significantly different from those before treatment (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (P > 0.05). Main adverse reactions were dry mouth, constipation in the treated group, much less than those in the control group, which were mainly dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, insomnia, blurred vision and prolonged Q-T interval (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMXD combining clomipramine has the efficacy on depression similar to clomipramine, but has less adverse reactions.