An Eight-Week Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Two Fixed Doses (250 mg Twice Daily and 100 mg Twice Daily) of SSR149415 in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Exclusion Criteria

• •Total score of less than 24 on the MADRS.
• •HAM-D total score less than 18.
• •Duration of the current depressive episode less than 1 month or greater than 2 years.
• •Patients with a history or presence of bipolar disorders or psychotic disorders.
• •Patients with alcohol dependence or abuse or substance dependence or abuse in the past 12 months except nicotine or caffeine dependence.
• •Patients who have used the following prior to entry into Acute Phase: antipsychotics within 3 months, fluoxetine within 1 month, MAOIs within 2 weeks, other antidepressants, or mood-stabilizer (lithium, anticonvulsants) within 1 week.
• •The investigator will evaluate whether there are other reasons why a patient may not participate