Nortriptyline and EEG sleep in depressed patients.

The effect of nortriptyline was assessed on the EEG sleep of 20 inpatients with major depressive syndrome. While 25 mg of nortriptyline had an immediate effect on REM sleep variables, relatively little influence on sleep continuity measures was noted. Subsequent administration of 75 and 100 mg of nortriptyline produced continued REM sleep suppression over several weeks. In summary, nortriptyline altered EEG sleep in a pattern similar to that of amitriptyline. REM latency and REM sleep time were consistently reduced by drug administration, while REM activity was only transiently altered as with amitriptyline. The comparison with amitriptyline showed, for the most part, similar influences on REM sleep without the sedative effects of amitriptyline.