Abstract: This invention is directed to treating depression in humans, especially older persons by (I) injection or infusion of local anesthetic, preferably in admixture with organic acid, sulfite salt, and acid salt, such as procaine hydrochloride, benzoic acid, dipotassium metabisulfite and disodium phosphate; during a period of at least three weeks at a dosage of at least 600 mg per week, or (II) by taking orally for a period of at least 30 days, at least about 300 mg daily. The treatment will be more intensive and/or more prolonged, dependent on the severity of the depression in the particular patient. A specific treating agent includes procaine hydrochloride, 0.1000 g; benzoic acid, 0.0060 g; dipotassium metabisulfite, 0.0050 gram; disodium phosphate, 0.0005 g; and either water to make five cc of solution or excipients to form a tablet (dragee) for oral ingestion.