Comparative effects of limbitrol and amitriptyline on sleep efficiency and architecture.

Abstract

Chlordiazepoxide-amitriptyline (Limbitrol) has been shown to be more rapidly effective than amitriptyline alone for treating depression. A double-blind, randomized study was designed to compare the effects of Limbitrol and amitriptyline on insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The rate of improvement of symptoms was faster with Limbitrol. No differences were noted between groups in the degree or rate of improvement of the sleep laboratory parameters nor in sleep Stages 1 to 4. Percentages of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and REM latency were similarly affected by the drugs, but REM density showed a significantly greater decrease with Limbitrol. Phasic REM factors may be crucial in the role of REM sleep and depression.

• Authors: M B Scharf, J Hirschowitz, F P Zemlan, M Lichstein, M Woods
• Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry (J Clin Psychiatry) Vol. 47 Issue 12 Pg. 587-91 (Dec 1986) ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3536890 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Drug Combinations
• amitriptyline, chlordiazepoxide drug combination
• Amitriptyline
• Chlordiazepoxide

Topics

• Adult
• Amitriptyline (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Anxiety Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Chlordiazepoxide (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Depressive Disorder (drug therapy, psychology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Combinations (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Random Allocation
• Sleep (drug effects)
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Sleep Stages (drug effects)
• Sleep, REM (drug effects)
• Time Factors