Once daily flupenthixol in the treatment of elderly depressed patients: a multi-centre trial in general practice.
Ninety-five elderly depressed patients were entered into an open trial of 0.5 to 1.0 mg flupenthixol dihydrochloride, as a single daily dose in the morning. Eighty-seven patients were treated and assessed for 14 days, 6 patients failed to attend follow-up appointments and 2 patients were withdrawn from the trial because of acute physical illness. After 14-days' treatment, a decrease in the severity of the illness was recorded on the Clinical Global Impression Scale in 77% of the patients, and statistically significant improvements were noted in the 5 individually rated symptoms of lowered mood, fatigue, tendency to weep, feelings of inadequacy and irritability. The number and severity of adverse effects recorded on a check-list decreased during the treatment period. The results suggest that flupenthixol is an effective antidepressant and is well tolerated by the elderly as a single daily dose.
D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005475:Flupenthixol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013892:Thioxanthenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D013892:Thioxanthenes; D005475:Flupenthixol