Amoxapine for the treatment of psychotically depressed subjects. A pilot study.

The treatment of psychotic depression remains controversial, although most studies suggest that the combination of an antipsychotic and an antidepressant agent is most beneficial. The authors describe an open-label study of the treatment of psychotic depression using amoxapine, an agent with both antidepressant and antipsychotic properties. Of the six patients treated, two improved dramatically within the first week of treatment, whereas for the remaining four treatment had to be discontinued due to lack of efficacy or side effects. Amoxapine appears to be effective in some cases of psychotic depression, but side effects and known risks of treatment diminish its usefulness.