The effect of mianserin on sleep and cardiac function

Summary

Two double-blind studies were carried out in depressed patients (a) to investigate the effect on sleep of single night-time dosage of 60 mg mianserin compared with the same dosage given in 3 divided doses per day over a 4-week period, and (b) to compare the effects of mianserin (60 mg/day) with those of amitriptyline (150 mg/day) on the ECG and systolic time intervals. In the first study (50 patients), the results of Hamilton and Beck rating assessments made before treatment and then at weekly intervals showed that both dosage regimens were equally effective in the treatment of depression but that the single night-time dosage regimen was significantly better at improving sleep. In the second study (17 patients), using a non-invasive technique, it was shown that whereas amitriptyline produced significant changes in cardiac function, consistent with a quinidine-like effect, those changes produced by mianserin were mixed and paradoxical. The results suggest that mianserin has less effect on the heart than amitriptyline and would appear to be safer.

Key Words::

• Mianserin
• amitriptyline
• antidepressive agents
• depression
• sleep disorders
• heart function tests