[Amitriptyline hydrochloride in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and as a tranquilizer]

An open, non-comparative study with weekly clinical evaluations was made in 30 patients of both sexes aged between 16 and 70 years. The only medication used to treat anxiety was Amytryptiline HCl. 23 patients completed 12 weeks of treatment and 7 abandoned it before completion. Dosages varied between 25 and 100 mg daily, with median dose being 50 mg. Twenty-three patients showed mild side effects that disappeared without specific treatment. Improvement began the first or second week; at the end of 12 weeks, 17 patients were considered cured, 16 improved and 7 with no change.