The treatment of endomorphous and psychogenic depressions with a fixed combination of amitriptyline/flupenthixol (Lu 7410)

Abstract

The clinical efficacy of a fixed combination of 10 mg amitriptyline and 0.5 mg flupenthixol (Lu 7410) was studied in 30 (15 endomorphous and 15 psychogenic) depressive patients over 4 weeks. Stepwise titration of the drug resulted in an optimal daily dosage of 6 tablets (1 table, morning, 1 at noon, and 4 in the evening). Based on the ECDEU Global Score the overall symptomatology improved significantly as early as in the first week and was best in the third week. Evaluation of the detailed psychopathology by means of the AMP-system showed, that aside from thymoleptic properties, Lu 7410 has a stimulatory-activating-effect (improvement of drive) as well as an anxiolytic-sedative component (improvement of suicidal tendencies, agitation and sleep disturbances). While the former is seen predominantly in low doses and in endomorphous depressions, the latter is prominent in higher doses and in psychogenic depressions. There was a lack of extrapyramidal side effects as well as of alterations in blood count, blood chemistry and ECG. Psychological tests supported the clinical observations, inasmuch as a significant increase of extroversion and aggressivity was seen in the FPI of endomorphous depressives, while psychogenic depressives revealed decreases in extroversion and sociability. Moreover, a decrease in the Taylor anxiety score and increase in concentration was noted, based on the AD test. The results will be discussed.