title: Efficacy, side-effects, plasma and blood levels of maprotiline (Ludiomil).
abstract: Two trials of maprotiline (Ludiomil) were performed in general practice. In the first study depressed patients were given either 75 mg of maprotiline in a single dose or 25 mg three times daily. Assessments of the severity of depression and of side-effects were made initially and following 1, 2 and 4 weeks' treatment. At each assessment measurements of plasma levels of maprotiline were made. A second trial was performed in which some patients receiving 75 mg single dose of maprotiline had whole blood levels of maprotiline assayed. Steady-state levels of maprotiline were achieved after one week but these levels showed considerable individual variability. No clear correlation emerged between clinical response, side-effects and plasma or blood levels. Some of the factors which may be responsible are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000873:Anthracenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008376:Maprotiline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000873:Anthracenes; D000639:Amitriptyline; D008376:Maprotiline