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 .
Double-blind multicenter study of paroxetine and amitriptyline in depressed inpatients.
Paroxetine is a new compound in the group of the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors . The results of several open and double-blind control-group studies demonstrate clear antidepressive efficacy of paroxetine . However , most data were collected in sample s of out patients . To overcome this restriction , a six-week double-blind control-group study , comparing 30 mg paroxetine with 150 mg amitriptyline per day , was performed in a sample of in patients suffering from major depression . Generally speaking , the efficacy analysis of 160 patients was not able to demonstrate statistically significant differences in the antidepressive activity of paroxetine or amitriptyline , either with respect to the total score on the Hamilton Depression Scale ( HAMD ) and the Clinical Global Impressions or with respect to the subscores of the HAMD . One exception was the retardation subscore , in which amitriptyline showed a greater degree of reduction . Both drugs had a characteristic side-effect profile .  Paroxetine was characterized by a lack of anticholinergic side-effects and a higher rate of nausea
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 .