Trazodone in the treatment of neurotic depression

A double-blind study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of trazodone vs. amitriptyline and placebo in 184 patients suffering from neurotic depression. All patients were evaluated for safety and 127 patients who completed 12 to 42 days' therapy were evaluated for efficacy. Trazodone was found to be significantly better than placebo on almost every rating scale, particularly on those items or factors related to depression and associated anxiety. Trazodone was superior to amitriptyline in some patients while amitriptyline was only occasionally better than placebo. Significant improvement was noted in trazodone patients within the first seven days of therapy. Trazodone produced a low level of side effects compared to amitriptyline.