Double-blind comparative trials of fluoxetine and doxepin in geriatric patients with major depressive disorder.
Fluoxetine was compared to doxepin in geriatric out-patients with major depressive illness. At the end of the 6-week double-blind study, the mean endpoint scores for all rating scales were significantly improved over base-line in both treatment groups. A subsequent 48-week open-label study supported the finding that both drugs are efficacious for maintenance therapy in elderly depressed patients. Fluoxetine, which lacks anticholinergic effects and is nonsedating, was well-tolerated by most patients and had fewer total side effects than doxepin. Common drug-related side effects for fluoxetine included nervousness/anxiety and nausea. Common side effects of doxepin were dry mouth, drowsiness/sedation, constipation, and dizziness/lightheadedness.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000139:chemically induced; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004244:Dizziness / Q000139:chemically induced; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004316:Doxepin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012894:Sleep Stages; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced
D011437:Propylamines; D005473:Fluoxetine; D004316:Doxepin