Psychomotor skills in depressed out-patients treated with L-tryptophan, doxepin, or chlorimipramine.

Psychomotor skills were measured in depressed out-patients during three-week double-blind treatment with 1-tryptophan (16 patients; 0.5--1.0 g t.i.d.), doxepin (13 patients; 25--50 mg t.i.d.), or chlorimipramine (13 patients; 25--50 mg t.i.d). The effect of depression on psychomotor skills was evaluated by comparing the results from the pre-drug scores (29 patients) with the respective performances of a matched reference group (20 healthy volunteers). Coordination, reactive skills and attention were impaired in depressed patients. The reaction times roughly correlated with the severity of depression, assessed both subjectively and objectively. During treatment with doxepin or chlorimipramine, but not with 1-tryptophan, the choice reaction times were shortened. The change in reaction times correlated with the amelioration of depression. When compared with the other treatment groups, doxepin impaired coordination, attention and flicker fusion discrimination. It is suggested that depressed out-patients with marked symptoms should be warned about driving. Treatment with doxepin is a contraindication to driving during the first two weeks or up to the time when amelioration of symptoms is recorded.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes