A Double-Blind Comparison of Three Times Daily and Single Night Dosage of the Tricyclic Anti-Depressant Dothiepin

Abstract

The study here presented was designed to evaluate the advantages of a once a day dosage of tricyclic anti-depressants as against a thrice daily dosage regimen using dothiepin (Prothiaden) and matching placebo capsules in a group comparative double-blind trial design. A total of sixty-two patients were admitted to the trial and were randomly allocated to one or other of the dosage regimes. Patients were assessed weekly for five weeks. More favourable results were achieved with patients taking the single dose nocturnally which was well tolerated in addition to being effective in relieving symptoms of depression. A number of possible advantages of this method of administration are discussed.