At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison Record- ✓Unipolar major depression diagnosed per DSM-IV criteria, with or without melancholia
- ✕Psychotic or atypical subtype of unipolar major depression
Standardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Antidepressant Treatment of Melancholia in Late :Ife
In Brief
A Phase 4 clinical trial evaluating Sertraline and Nortriptyline for Depression and Melancholia. Completed, enrolled 110 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of a select serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI, sertraline) and a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA, nortriptyline) in outpatients over the age of 60 who have major depression. SSRIs are effective in the treatment of major depression. However, there is also evidence that SSRIs may be significantly less effective than TCAs for patients with late-life major depression with melancholia. Since SSRIs seem to be easier to take than TCAs and are more widely prescribed, it is important to determine which of these types of antidepressants works best to treat these patients. Patients will be assigned randomly to receive either sertraline (a SSRI) or nortriptyline (a TCA) for 12 weeks. Patients will be monitored for symptoms, side effects, and quality of life. If a patient responds to treatment, he/she will participate in a 6-month continuation phase in which he/she will continue to receive the same medication. An individual may be eligible for this study if he/she: Has unipolar major depression (with some exceptions) and is over 60 years old.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
12 week trial dose up to 200mgs
12 week trial dose adjusted to therapeutic level