Amitriptyline versus placebo for major depressive disorder

Source: Cochrane Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews Background   Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that was synthesised in 1960 and introduced as early as 1961 in the USA, but is still regularly used. It has also been frequently used as an active comparator in trials on newer antidepressants and can therefore be called a 'benchmark' antidepressant. However, its efficacy and safety compared to placebo in the treatment of major depression has not been assessed in a systematic review and meta-analysis.     Objectives   To assess the effects of amitriptyline compared to placebo or no treatment for major depressive disorder in adults.     Search methods   We searched the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group's Specialised Register (CCDANCTR-Studies and CCDANCTR-References) to August 2012. This register contains relevant randomised controlled trials from: The Cochrane Library (all years), EMBASE (1974 to date), MEDLINE (1950 to ...
Source: NeLM - Mental Health - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news