Clinical results with pizotyline in depression

Pizotyline at two dosage levels or one dosage level of amitriptyline were administered under double-blind conditions to 100 depressed out-patients in a community mental health clinic; 73 patients completed the four-week study. Their psychological response was assessed with four ECDEU rating scales and a psychiatrist's clinical examination. Their physiological response was measured with standard hematology tests, blood chemistries, and urinalyses. Statistical analyses of the results showed one significant difference among the three treatment groups' responses: sleep disturbance decreased significantly (p < 0.05) more in patients receiving the higher pizotyline dosage. The three treatment groups' responses measured by the other rating scale items did not differ significantly. Ten of the 75 patients taking pizotyline and four of the 25 patients taking amitriptyline developed side effects. To clarify dose-and time-related variables, additional studies would be required.