A double-blind, multicentre study to assess the tolerability and efficacy of paroxetine compared with amitriptyline in the treatment of depressed patients in Australian general practice
Date
1999
Authors
Freed, E.
Goldney, R.
Lambert, T.
Tiller, J.
Johnston, R.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 1999; 33(3):416-421
Statement of Responsibility
Edgar Freed, Robert Goldney, Timothy Lambert, John Tiller, Robyn Johnston
Conference Name
Abstract
<h4>Objective</h4>This study compared the tolerability and efficacy of paroxetine and amitriptyline in the treatment of depression in general practice.<h4>Methods</h4>In this double-blind, multicentre study conducted in the general practice, patients with depression (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] score > or = 20) who were regarded as requiring antidepressant therapy were randomly assigned to receive paroxetine (20 mg, n = 184) or amitriptyline (50-100 mg, n = 191) once daily for 9 weeks.<h4>Results</h4>More patients completed treatment with paroxetine than with amitriptyline (71.1% vs 56.1%, p = 0.009). Depression rating scores (MADRS and Clinical Global Impression [CGI]) were improved with both agents, but at week 9, paroxetine achieved more favourable scores compared with amitriptyline on MADRS (p=0.019), CGI severity of depression (p=0.044), and CGI efficacy index (p = 0.038).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Depressed patients treated in general practice respond more quickly and are more likely to complete the treatment regimen with paroxetine than with amitriptyline.