Effect of a Reversible Monoamine Oxidase-A Inhibitor (Moclobemide) on Sleep of Depressed Patients

The effect of moclobemide, a short-acting, reversible, preferential monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor in a 4-week therapeutic trial, on the sleep of ten depressed patients, was assessed by polysomnographic recordings. Compared with their time on placebo, patients receiving moclobemide showed improved sleep continuity, particularly during the intermediate and late stages of drug administration. The total increase in sleep time was comprised of larger amounts of stage 2 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Withdrawal of moclobemide was followed by a further increase of REM sleep, although values did not surpass those sometimes observed in adults with normal sleep. In these patients, the symptoms of depression were rated as being significantly improved during the study period.