[Comparative study of age-related effectiveness of tri- and tetracyclic antidepressants].

A comparative age-associated study of the efficacy and side effects of amitriptyline and maprotyline was carried out in a group of 93 patients over 50. The health status of the patients was assessed with the aid of Hamilton's depression scale and the scale of side effects on days 0, 7 and 28 of the therapy. It has been discovered that on day 28 maprotyline caused a more complete reduction of depressive disorders as compared to amitriptyline. Maprotyline produced a more intensive action on the anxious component of depression. There were differences in the intensity and range of side effects evoked by amitriptyline and maprotyline. Unlike maprotyline, the antidepressive effect of amitriptyline developed in a group of patients over 70, at later stages of the therapy. Therefore, it is more advisable that tetracyclic antidepressants be used for the treatment of senile patients.