An Eight-Week, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Paroxetine-Controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy, and Tolerability of Two Fixed Doses of SSR149415 (250 mg Bid and 100 mg Bid) in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of SSR149415 in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, defined as a change from baseline to visit 7 in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. To evaluate the tolerability, safety and efficacy on disability and quality of life in patients with major depressive disorder.To evaluate plasma concentrations of SSR149415.