Conclusions : International differences in prescriber behaviour may influence , and in turn be influenced by , the conduct of clinical trials .
Objective : International differences are thought to exist in dosages used by clinicians treating mood disorders .
This study examined international dosage differences in antidepressant clinical trials , using a data base formed and maintained as a component of a Cochrane review of comparative clinical trials of fluoxetine .
Fluoxetine in Major Depression: Efficacy, Safety and Effects on Sleep Polygraphic Variables
Fluoxetine ( 60 mg ) , a selective inhibitor of the reuptake of 5-HT , was compared in a double-blind trial to amitriptyline ( 150 mg ) in a sample of 34 patients fitting the Research Diagnostic Criteria for a major depressive disorder . Patients were studied after a drug washout period of 10 days and an active treatment period of 42 days . Sleep polygraphic recordings were performed before and at the end of the study . As indicated by the significant decrease in the Hamilton Depression scale and the Montgomery Asberg Depression scale , fluoxetine showed similar antidepressant effects to amitriptyline with significantly fewer adverse effects . Fluoxetine and amitriptyline decreased the amount of REM sleep , a well known effect of classical antidepressants . Fluoxetine showed some specific effects on sleep continuity ( potentially dose related ) as indicated by the significant increase in the number of awakenings and in stage shifts , without interfering with the therapeutic response
Conclusions : International differences in prescriber behaviour may influence , and in turn be influenced by , the conduct of clinical trials .
Objective : International differences are thought to exist in dosages used by clinicians treating mood disorders .
This study examined international dosage differences in antidepressant clinical trials , using a data base formed and maintained as a component of a Cochrane review of comparative clinical trials of fluoxetine .