Amitriptyline is an efficacious antidepressant drug .
It is , however , also associated with a number of side effects .
Degree of placebo response and severity of depression at baseline may moderate drug-placebo efficacy differences
BACKGROUND Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that was synthesis ed in 1960 and introduced as early as 1961 in the USA , but is still regularly used .
It has also been frequently used as an active comparator in trials on newer antidepressants and can therefore be called a ' benchmark ' antidepressant .
However , its efficacy and safety compared to placebo in the treatment of major depression has not been assessed in a systematic review and meta- analysis .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of amitriptyline compared to placebo or no treatment for major depressive disorder in adults .
Experimental comparison between the effect of standardized trazodone-amitriptyline and placebo treatment in vitalized depressive patients
We are performing a double-blind trial with inward psychiatric patients . The indication for our psychotropic or psychotherapeutic intervention is mainly severe depression ( = major depressive disorders DSM III ) . For a 3-week trial course trazodone ( 400 mg daily ) , amitriptyline ( 150 mg/die ) or placebo capsules were given at r and om . All patients received the same type of cognitive behaviour therapy . The test battery consists of CGI , BPRS , HAMD , HAMA and AMDP ; adverse drug reactions are documented as “ free reports ” ( = freier Nebenwirkungsbericht ) . The interim results ( until March 1987 ) will be presented . Our investigation indicates that it is probable that the trazodone treatment we used is equivalent to corresponding amitriptyline treatment
Amitriptyline is an efficacious antidepressant drug .
It is , however , also associated with a number of side effects .
Degree of placebo response and severity of depression at baseline may moderate drug-placebo efficacy differences
BACKGROUND Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that was synthesis ed in 1960 and introduced as early as 1961 in the USA , but is still regularly used .
It has also been frequently used as an active comparator in trials on newer antidepressants and can therefore be called a ' benchmark ' antidepressant .
However , its efficacy and safety compared to placebo in the treatment of major depression has not been assessed in a systematic review and meta- analysis .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of amitriptyline compared to placebo or no treatment for major depressive disorder in adults .