Once daily flupenthixol in the treatment of elderly depressed patients: A multi-centre trial in general practice

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Abstract
Ninety-five elderly depressed patients were entered into an open trial of 0.5 to 1.0 mg flupenthixol dihydrochloride, as a single daily dose in the morning. Eighty-seven patients were treated and assessed for 14 days, 6 patients failed to attend follow-up appointments and 2 patients were withdrawn from the trial because of acute physical illness. After 14-days' treatment, a decrease in the severity of the illness was recorded on the Clinical Global Impression Scale in 77% of the patients, and statistically significant improvements were noted in the 5 individually rated symptoms of lowered mood, fatigue, tendency to weep, feelings of inadequacy and irritability. The number and severity of adverse effects recorded on a check-list decreased during the treatment period. The results suggest that flupenthixol is an effective antidepressant and is well tolerated by the elderly as a single daily dose.