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 .
A controlled comparison of amitriptyline and electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of depression.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of amitriptyline and ECT in the treatment of depression . Thirty patients were assigned r and omly to 4 treatment groups : amitriptyline , ECT , placebo and simulated ECT .  Global improvement ratings , the Depression Rating Scale , the Ward Observation Inventory , the M.M.P.I. , the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale and the Bender-Gestalt test were used in evaluating the response to treatment . Amitriptyline and ECT were both more effective than control procedures . There was no appreciable difference after one month of treatment between the therapeutic effects of amitriptyline and ECT
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 .