A comparison of fluoxetine and amitriptyline in the treatment of major depression.
Fluoxetine, a new serotonin uptake blocking antidepressant, was compared with amitriptyline in a double-blind study. Patients were diagnosed as having major depression, according to DSM-III criteria, when interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. There was significant improvement in patient and observer ratings of depression in both groups, with no difference between groups. Recent memory improved significantly in the fluoxetine group but not in the amitriptyline group. Numbers of patients reporting side-effects were similar but the profiles of side-effects were different, with more patients on amitriptyline reporting anticholinergic and intolerable side-effects.
Keegan
D
D
Department of Psychiatry, Royal University Hospital, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Bowen
R C
RC
Blackshaw
S
S
Saleh
S
S
Dayal
N
N
Remillard
F
F
Shrikhande
S
S
Cebrian Perez
S
S
Boulton
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D005473:Fluoxetine; D000639:Amitriptyline