Ritanserin, a selective 5-HT2/1C antagonist, and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. A placebo-controlled double-blind trial.

The effectiveness of ritanserin, a selective 5-HT2 and 5-HT1c antagonist, in reducing negative symptoms in schizophrenia was investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Trial treatment was added to a stable neuroleptic treatment in 33 schizophrenic patients with predominantly negative symptoms. Ritanserin reduced the negative symptoms, as measured with the SANS.

A comparative double-blind study of loprazolam, 1 mg and 2 mg, versus placebo in anxiety-induced insomnia.

A double-blind trial was carried out in 40 anxious in-patients with insomnia to compare the hypnotic effectiveness and tolerance of loprazolam, 1 mg and 2 mg, versus placebo. Groups of 10 patients received one or other dose of loprazolam or placebo for 7 nights and then placebo for the following 3 nights. Sleep quality and morning residual effects were assessed each morning during the 10-day trial period by means of a sleep questionnaire.

Single daily dose treatment of anxiety with clobazam: a double-blind study versus normal multiple-dose treatment with diazepam.

A double-blind trial was carried out in 45 anxious out-patients to compare the effectiveness and tolerance of clobazam and diazepam. The severity of each patient's symptoms was assessed before, during and at the end of the trial period using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and a note kept of any side-effects. The results showed that a single daily dose of 20 mg clobazam was equally as effective as 5 mg diazepam 3-times daily.

A double blind comparison of viloxazine and amitryptyline in involutional and endogenous depression.

Thirty-two hospitalized patients with either endogenous (n = 15) or involutional (n = 17) depression were entered into a double blind study to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of viloxazine with amitriptyline. The severity of the depression was assessed before starting treatment and at day 7, 14 and 28 using the Hamilton Rating Scale. Spontaneously reported side effects were recorded.