Paroxetine in the treatment of depression--a randomized comparison with amitriptyline.

Paroxetine is a new antidepressant drug with potent serotonin (5HT) uptake inhibitory properties. In this double-blind comparative study, the antidepressant effect of paroxetine and amitriptyline has been compared in 44 patients with depressive illnesses of an endogenous nature. Each drug was given for 6 weeks. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale was used to measure the antidepressant effect. Reported events were assessed applying a 22-item check list. Non-parametric statistical analyses were applied in the evaluation of treatment outcome for the 30 patients who completed the study. The results showed no significant differences in overall antidepressant efficacy between paroxetine and amitriptyline and that paroxetine displayed significantly fewer instances of dry mouth and orthostatic dizziness than amitriptyline. No obvious relationship was demonstrated between the plasma levels of the drugs and their clinical effects.