Double-blind comparison of 3-times daily and single night dosage of amitriptyline, with special reference to side-effects

Summary

Forty-one depressed in-patients completed a 4-week trial in which they were given 150 mg amitriptyline either as 3 daytime doses or as a single dose at bedtime (placebo was given at the other times). There was no significant difference in efficacy, as measured by Hamilton and Wakefield scales. Complaints of dry mouth and blurred vision increased in both groups; increased complaints of a ‘hung-over feeling’ after waking occurred in those having the single bedtime dose, but fewer of these gained weight during the trial.

Key Words::

• Amitriptyline
• antidepressive agents
• depression
• adverse effects
• administration and dosage