A clinical double-blind comparison of maprotiline and amitriptvline in depression

Summary A double-blind trial was carried out in 30 depressed patients to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of maprotiline and amitriptyline. The study formed part of a multi-national 8-centre trial of the new tetracyclic antidepressant. Fifteen patients were treated with 150 mg. daily of one or other drug over a period of 28 days. The severity of each patient's symptoms was assessed before, during, and at the end of the trial period using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and a note kept of any side-effects. No significant difference was noted in drug effectiveness. Maprotiline, however, produced significantly fewer side-effects than amitriptyline.