A comparative trial of fluoxetine and amitriptyline in patients with major depressive disorder

J Clin Psychiatry. 1985 Sep;46(9):369-72.

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of fluoxetine, a new antidepressant agent, were assessed in a double-blind, parallel, randomized study of 44 outpatients with major depressive disorder. Following a 1-week placebo period, patients were randomly assigned to either fluoxetine or amitriptyline for a period of 5 weeks. The mean maintenance dosages were 55 mg/day for fluoxetine and 159 mg/day for amitriptyline. Both drugs were effective in relieving the symptoms of depression. The most frequently reported side effects were nausea and nervousness for fluoxetine, and dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness for amitriptyline.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Akathisia, Drug-Induced
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Amitriptyline / adverse effects
  • Amitriptyline / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Dizziness / chemically induced
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / adverse effects
  • Fluoxetine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nausea / chemically induced
  • Propylamines / therapeutic use*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Random Allocation
  • Sleep Stages
  • Xerostomia / chemically induced

Substances

  • Propylamines
  • Fluoxetine
  • Amitriptyline