Comparative study of Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline in the treatment of depression

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety for Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline in the treatment of depression. Methods: 60 patients were randomly assigned to receive Fluoxetine (n=30) and Amitriptyline (n=30) for 6 weeks. The efficacy were assessed by Hamilton Deprssion Rating Scale (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression (GCI) and the side effects were assessed by Treatmennt Emergent Sympots Scale (TESS). Results: Before and after treatment, the HAMD, CGI-SI score of Fluoxetine group and Amitriptyline group were compared, the differences were not statistically significant (P0.05). The inci dence of adverse reactions of Fluoxetine group was significantly lower than the Amitriptyline group (P0.01). Conclusion: The efficacy of Fluoxetine and Amitriptyline in the treatment of depression were nearly equal, but Fluoxetine has less side effects.