In 72 outpatients with DSM-III major depressive episode, adinazolam was superior to placebo in all measurements. Significantly more adinazolam-treated subjects (N = 36) than placebo subjects (N = 36) completed the study (67% vs. 19%), were rated "much" or "very much" improved (78% vs. 19%), and had a "moderate" or "marked" therapeutic effect of the drug (67% vs. 19%). The total Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score decreased by 50% or more in 61% of the adinazolam group and in 17% of the placebo group; 72% of the adinazolam group reported that they felt "moderately," "much," or "very much" improved compared with 17% of the placebo group. The adinazolam group reported significantly more drowsiness and lightheadedness, dizziness, or faintness; the severity of these side effects decreased with time. No significant anticholinergic effects were observed.