The effects of acute treatment with paroxetine, amitriptyline, and placebo on the equilibrium function in healthy subjects: A double-blind crossover trial

Abstract

Objective. Depression is common in old age, and is treatable with antidepressants. However, antidepressants use can increase the risk of falls. Thus, we assessed the effects of antidepressants on equilibrium function using posturography. Methods. This study recruited 10 healthy male volunteers (35.3 ± 3.7 years). In this double-blinded, three-way crossover trial, they received acute doses of 10 mg paroxetine, 25 mg amitriptyline, and placebo. They were administered posturography at baseline and 4-h postdosing. Results. At 4-h postdosing, amitriptyline significantly decreased the locus length per unit area (L/A) and increased the envelope area compared with those at baseline. Meanwhile, the total length and the locus length per time (L/T) at 4-h postdosing of amitriptyline did not show significant differences from those at baseline. After paroxetine treatment, there were no significant differences in total length, L/T, L/A, and the envelope area between baseline and 4-h postdosing. Conclusion. An acute dose of amitriptyline significantly decreased L/A and increased the envelope area as markers of body sway. Evaluation of equilibrium function is important for preventing the potential risk of falls and body sway after taking antidepressants.

Key words::

• Antidepressants
• paroxetine
• amitriptyline
• posturography

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank the healthy volunteers for participating in our study. This work was supported in part by research grants from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan and the General Insurance Association of Japan.

Statement of interest

None of the authors reports conflicts of interest.