Longitudinal analysis of nortriptyline side effects in elderly depressed patients.
Forty-five depressed elderly patients were closely monitored in a research setting during treatment with nortriptyline and interpersonal psychotherapy for 7 consecutive months of acute and continuation treatment. Overall, nortriptyline was efficacious and well tolerated in this group. The frequency of somatic complaints measured by the Rating Scale for Side Effects declined by 50% during the acute phase of treatment, suggesting that many somatic complaints that may be attributed to side effects of nortriptyline are actually somatic symptoms of depression. The authors discuss the implications of these findings and offer practical advice for the treating clinician.
Miller
M D
MD
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213.
Pollock
B G
BG
Rifai
A H
AH
Paradis
C F
CF
Perel
J M
JM
George
C
C
Stack
J A
JA
Reynolds
C F
CF
D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010556:Personality Tests; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D009661:Nortriptyline