Treatment of nortriptyline's side effects in elderly patients: a double-blind study of bethanechol.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of bethanechol was conducted in 26 elderly depressed patients being treated with nortriptyline. Patients receiving bethanechol had reduced subjective complaints of anticholinergic side effects and showed a trend toward improvement on an objective measure of salivary flow. The potential use of bethanechol in older patients to reduce morbidity and improve compliance with medication regimens is discussed.
Rosen
J
J
Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Pollock
B G
BG
Altieri
L P
LP
Jonas
E A
EA
D000368:Aged; D018723:Bethanechol; D001626:Bethanechol Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010919:Placebos
D001626:Bethanechol Compounds; D010919:Placebos; D018723:Bethanechol; D009661:Nortriptyline