Premium
AMITRIPTYLINE ACTION ON SYMPATHETIC NEURONAL FUNCTION IN DEPRESSED WOMEN
Author(s) -
Corona G. L.,
Cucchi M. L.,
Frattini P.,
Santagostino G.,
Schinelli S.,
Tosca P.,
Savoldi F.,
Zerbi F.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1440-1681
pISSN - 0305-1870
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1681.1987.tb02424.x
Subject(s) - amitriptyline , orthostatic vital signs , blood pressure , medicine , supine position , norepinephrine , endocrinology , neurotransmitter , pulse rate , heart rate , anesthesia , dopamine , receptor
SUMMARY 1. Noradrenaline plasma levels and cardiovascular function modifications with orthostatic challenge during therapy were studied in 59 female depressed inpatients treated with 100 mg amitriptyline daily by intramuscular route for 4 weeks. 2. Therapy induced an increase in pulse rate in supine and upright positions, a decrease of noradrenaline levels and modified standing systolic and (partially) diastolic blood pressure, particularly in elderly subjects. 3. No correlation between neurotransmitter or functional changes and drug plasma levels was noted. 4. The supposed lower noradrenergic output together with blood pressure drop in both positions suggests a reduced sympathetic tone.