Key result
Amitriptyline increases heart rate, PR interval, and QTc while trazodone lacks consistent cardiac effects.
Why the study?
Does trazodone or amitriptyline affect cardiovascular function in out-patients with major depressive disorder?
Population
14 out-patients with major depressive disorder
Comparison
Trazodone or amitriptyline over a 28-day… vs Matching placebo (n=3)
Design
RCT, randomized, parallel group, double-blind
Follow-up
28 days
Authors
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May warrant preferring trazodone in patients with conduction risks; confirms greater cardiac effects of amitriptyline in RCT.
RCT (n=14)
Double-blind
randomized, parallel group
Does trazodone or amitriptyline affect cardiovascular function in out-patients with major depressive disorder?
Amitriptyline exerts significantly more pronounced electrophysiological and hemodynamic effects than trazodone, highlighting its greater potential for cardiac side effects.
Merwe et al. (1984) conducted an RCT in major depressive disorder (n=14). Trazodone and amitriptyline vs. Placebo was evaluated on Cardiovascular function (ECG and systolic time intervals). Amitriptyline had a much more marked effect on cardiac function than trazodone, increasing heart rate, PR interval, and QTc, whereas trazodone had transient or no consistent effects.
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