A comparison of maprotiline (Ludiomil) and amitriptyline (2).

Seventy-five patients were admitted to a double-blind multicentre trial of maprotiline (Ludiomil) and amitriptyline in the management of depression in general practice. Forty-seven patients, twenty-one on maprotiline and twenty-six on amitriptyline completed the study. Statistical analysis of admission data showed that the groups were not strictly comparable in that the maprotiline group contained many more males and had a greater average age. Nevertheless, although there was a suggestion that amitriptyline was faster-acting in the younger age group that received it, there were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups as regards onset of effect, clinical efficacy or tolerability.