Low-dose tricyclics effective for depression

Article Type
Changed
Fri, 01/18/2019 - 08:39
Display Headline
Low-dose tricyclics effective for depression
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

Minimum effective dosage and ranges for antidepressants have not been established. While studies suggest that lower-dose tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be as effective as higherdose TCAs, dose comparison studies with other antidepressants have not been conducted.

Low-dose TCAs may not be as effective as standard doses, but they do have fewer treatment dropouts due to side effects, and thus patients may have better long-term compliance. Regular monitoring of patient rate of reduction in severity of depression should be used to help determine optimal individual dosing.

 
Article PDF
Author and Disclosure Information

Practice Recommendations from Key Studies

Furukawa TA, McGuire H, Barbui C. Meta-analysis of effects and side effects of low dosage tricyclic antidepressants in depression: systematic review. BMJ 2002; 325:991–995.

Eugene R. Bailey, MD
Kenneth M. Johnson, III,, MD
Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Family Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY

[email protected]

Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 52(5)
Publications
Topics
Page Number
349-364
Sections
Author and Disclosure Information

Practice Recommendations from Key Studies

Furukawa TA, McGuire H, Barbui C. Meta-analysis of effects and side effects of low dosage tricyclic antidepressants in depression: systematic review. BMJ 2002; 325:991–995.

Eugene R. Bailey, MD
Kenneth M. Johnson, III,, MD
Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Family Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY

[email protected]

Author and Disclosure Information

Practice Recommendations from Key Studies

Furukawa TA, McGuire H, Barbui C. Meta-analysis of effects and side effects of low dosage tricyclic antidepressants in depression: systematic review. BMJ 2002; 325:991–995.

Eugene R. Bailey, MD
Kenneth M. Johnson, III,, MD
Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Family Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY

[email protected]

Article PDF
Article PDF
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

Minimum effective dosage and ranges for antidepressants have not been established. While studies suggest that lower-dose tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be as effective as higherdose TCAs, dose comparison studies with other antidepressants have not been conducted.

Low-dose TCAs may not be as effective as standard doses, but they do have fewer treatment dropouts due to side effects, and thus patients may have better long-term compliance. Regular monitoring of patient rate of reduction in severity of depression should be used to help determine optimal individual dosing.

 
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

Minimum effective dosage and ranges for antidepressants have not been established. While studies suggest that lower-dose tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be as effective as higherdose TCAs, dose comparison studies with other antidepressants have not been conducted.

Low-dose TCAs may not be as effective as standard doses, but they do have fewer treatment dropouts due to side effects, and thus patients may have better long-term compliance. Regular monitoring of patient rate of reduction in severity of depression should be used to help determine optimal individual dosing.

 
Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 52(5)
Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 52(5)
Page Number
349-364
Page Number
349-364
Publications
Publications
Topics
Article Type
Display Headline
Low-dose tricyclics effective for depression
Display Headline
Low-dose tricyclics effective for depression
Sections
Disallow All Ads
Article PDF Media