Safety variables and vital signs (pulse, blood pressure) were assessed at each visit including spontaneously reported adverse events (AEs); unusual events and AEs observed by the investigator. Physical examination was performed at screening, end of run-in, after three and 29 treatment weeks and at discontinuation. An electrocar- diograph was recorded at end of run-in, after three, seven and 29 treatment weeks and at discontinuation. Vital signs (pulse, blood pressure) were recorded at all visits. Laboratory tests (haematology, biochemistry and urinaly- sis) were assessed at screening, after three, seven and 29 treatment weeks and at discontinuation. Endocrine eva- luations were performed at screening and after 29 treat- ment weeks in 80 patients who were not using any hormonal contraceptives or hormonal replacement thera- pies and who were not suffering from any significant endocrine disease. Cortisol was assessed at screening and after 29 treatment weeks in 56 patients before and after synacthen test. The Tyrer scale [33]was completed by the investigator after 29 treatment weeks and at withdrawal.