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A double-blind comparison of dothiepin and amitriptyline for the treatment of depression with anxiety

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Abstract

Fifty out-patients took part in a double-blind controlled comparison of two antidepressants dothiepin and amitriptyline. The subjects' psychiatric state was assessed by both self-rating and clinician-rated scales. Patients were followed up for a period of about three months.

The results of the trial showed that dothiepin was superior to amitriptyline at the 5% significance level in terms of its antidepressant activity. Dothiepin was better tolerated in relation to its side effects than amitriptyline. For relief of anxiety symptoms both drugs appeared equally effective.

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Lipsedge, M.S., Rees, W.L. & Pike, D.J. A double-blind comparison of dothiepin and amitriptyline for the treatment of depression with anxiety. Psychopharmacologia 19, 153–162 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00402639

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