DOUBLE-BLIND MULTICENTER STUDY OF PAROXETINE AND AMITRIPTYLINE IN DEPRESSED INPATIENTS

Paroxetine is a new compound in the group of the selective serotonin-r euptake inhibitors. The results of several open and double-blind contr ol-group studies demonstrate clear antidepressive efficacy of paroxeti ne. However, most data were collected in samples of outpatients. To ov ercome this restriction, a six-week double-blind control-group study, comparing 30 mg paroxetine with 150 mg amitriptyline per day, was perf ormed in a sample of inpatients suffering from major depression. Gener ally speaking, the efficacy analysis of 160 patients was not able to d emonstrate statistically significant differences in the antidepressive activity of paroxetine or amitriptyline, either with respect to the t otal score on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and the Clinical Gl obal Impressions or with respect to the subscores of the HAMD. One exc eption was the retardation subscore, in which amitriptyline showed a g reater degree of reduction. Both drugs had a characteristic side-effec t profile. Paroxetine was characterized by a lack of anticholinergic s ide-effects and a higher rate of nausea.