Effect of nortriptyline and paroxetine on extrapyramidal signs and symptoms: A prospective double-blind study in depressed elderly patients

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2000 Summer;8(3):226-31.

Abstract

Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been reported to induce extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). The authors examined the change from baseline EPS, measured by an objective rating scale, in a group of elderly depressed patients participating in an ongoing randomized, double-blind comparison of nortriptyline and paroxetine. Mild baseline EPS were present in both groups. After 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment, patients in the nortriptyline group showed a significant decrease in total EPS scores. Patients in the paroxetine group showed a similar decrease in EPS from baseline, which did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference between nortriptyline and paroxetine in the change in EPS.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / adverse effects*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / adverse effects*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nortriptyline / adverse effects*
  • Nortriptyline / therapeutic use
  • Paroxetine / adverse effects*
  • Paroxetine / therapeutic use
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Paroxetine
  • Nortriptyline