PAROXETINE AND AMITRIPTYLINE IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION IN GENERAL-PRACTICE

A total of 144 outpatients in general practice in Denmark, aged 18-65 years and diagnosed as suffering from depression with a HAMD-17 score of 15 or more, were included in this 8-week double-blind, randomised, multicentre, controlled, parallel group comparison of paroxetine versu s amitriptyline. The purpose of the study was primarily to evaluate ef ficacy and tolerance of treatment. In addition, focus was added on wei ght change and subjective well-being. The efficacy results showed equa l effect of both drugs. However, paroxetine was tolerated better than amitriptyline, and this difference reached the level of significance w hen four non-evaluable patients were taken out of the analysis. Moreov er, there was a significant weight increase in the amitriptyline group and no significant weight change in the paroxetine group. There was n o difference between the groups as regards subjective well-being as me asured by the VAS. In conclusion, paroxetine is an effective and well- tolerated antidepressant, and well-suited for the treatment of depress ion in general practice.