A Comparison between Maprotiline (Ludiomil) and Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Depressive Reaction in General Practice

Abstract

In this trial in depressive reaction in general practice, maprotiline and amitriptyline, in a fixed dosage regime of 50 mg three times daily for three weeks, were equally effective therapeutic agents; all but two of the patients improving during the trial.

Thirteen patients (16% of the group) withdrew from the study due to the severity of side-effects, predominantly because of drowsiness.

In those patients who completed the trial both compounds were relatively well tolerated. The general pattern of side-effects ('mild’ drowsiness and dry mouth) was similar for both treatments, although maprotiline appeared to cause more dizziness than amitriptyline.