A comparison of zimeldine and amitriptyline on cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers

The cardiovascular effects of zimeldine (200 mg) and amitriptyline (150 mg) for 6 days were compared in a study involving 10 healthy volunteers. No significant changes were found in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure or left ventricular contractility when patients were taking zimeldine. With amitriptyline, significant changes were seen at some point during the trial period for all these parameters. No significant changes were seen in the ECGs recorded. Thus, zimeldine appears to be free of adverse effects on contractility, but amitriptyline appears to have a negative inotropic effect.