[Polygraphic sleep recordings in patients with endogenous depression before and after treatment with...

15 endogenous-depressive patients were treated with 3 X 20 mg amitriptyline-N-oxide for 20 days. Polygraphic sleep recordings were taken during the first seven and last six nights. In a single-blind study the patients were given placebo for the first four days, amitriptyline-N-oxide was applied during the following 13 days and on the last three days placebo was given again. The statistical evaluation showed the following results: a) Latency times up to the first deep sleep and to the first REM-phase decreased under the effect of the substance. b) Relative sleep duration (without wakefulness) increased. c) Actual sleep duration (without wakefulness and stage A) was similar. d) The frequency of awakenings during the night diminished under amitriptyline-N-oxide and increased somewhat when placebo was given again. The original values were not reached. The frequency of awakenings from REM-phases increased during the first three nights of medication and decreased in the last three nights the substance was administered. When placebo was given again, the original values were exceeded. e) Duration of wakefulness after waking up during the night decreased under amitriptyline-N-oxide and increased when the medication was discontinued. Here again the original values were not reached. After waking up during the night most waking time was spent in stage C. A placebo effect can be excluded. The effects of amitriptyline-N-oxide are compared to those of hypnotics, other antidepressants, antipsychotics and tranquilizers in the discussion.