In a multicentre trial, 380 depressed patients were treated for 1 year with tianeptine, a new tricyclic compound which increases the reuptake of serotonin. Results indicated a significant reduction in MADRS scores from day 14, with a sustained reduction for up to 12 months. 7 subjects who had attempted suicide by tianeptine overdose had favourable outcomes, in spite of also taking other drugs or alcohol. Results suggest the tianeptine has the potential to provide safe antidepressant activity.