In a preliminary trial, five oral-clomipramine-refractory patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were treated openly with 14 intravenous
clomipramine infusions each. Using standardized assessments, three patients
were rated as much improved, one as unchanged, and one as minimally
improved. Statistically significant improvements were noted on both the
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and the NIMH Global OCD scores. No
patient discontinued treatment because of side effects. Although the
results are provocative in that three of five patients were much improved
at the end of the protocol, conclusions about preferential efficacy for the
intravenous route must await a placebo-controlled trial.Abstract Teaser