Dexamisole is the dextro-isomer of tetramisole, a well-known anthelmintic drug, which in clinical pilot trials was found to have promising psycho-pharmacological properties.
Dexamisole was administered to eighteen in-patients, suffering from neurotic or endogenous retarded depression, after a two to four day washout period. The trial lasted two to three weeks. No adjunctive therapy was given, except amobarbital.
The results of the Hamilton rating scale, of the AMP somatic scale and of von Zerssen's self-rating scale indicate that dexamisole, at a mean dosage of 50 mg three times a day, significantly improves mood and psychotonicity, within four days in some 40% of the cases.
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