Gepirone in the Treatment of Major Depression

Authors:
  • DRDonald S. Robinson
    Donald S. Robinson
  • LFLouis F. Fabre
    Louis F. Fabre
  • JAJoseph J. Andary
    Joseph J. Andary
  • MMMarianne E. Messina
    Marianne E. Messina
  • LRLinda A. Reich
    Linda A. Reich
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Abstract
Gepirone is a serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) type1A receptor agonist and a pharmacologic analogue of buspirone. Two double-blind, placebocontrolled studies show the efficacy of gepirone in the treatment of major depression. Study 1 demonstrates gepirone's superiority over placebo in an 8-week acute treatment of patients with major depression, including the melancholic subtype. Gepirone's antidepressant dose range is tentatively established at 5-30 mg/day. Study 2 reveals the benefit of gepirone compared with placebo in 4-week continuation therapy of patients with major depression who initially responded to 6 weeks of open therapy with gepirone. Analysis of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression item scores show gepirone especially improves scores on items of core depression.