Cardiovascular effects of desipramine in children.
The effect of desipramine hydrochloride was studied in children who were treated for eating disorders (5), attention deficit disorder (13), or affective disturbance (3). Serial heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, and 24-hour ambulatory monitoring were recorded before treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks during treatment. Maximum dose of desipramine was 5 mg/kg/day, average 4.25. A 21% increase in heart rate and 2.5% increase in QTc at 4 weeks were sustained at 8 weeks. No dysrhythmias or clinically significant changes in blood pressure occurred. Desipramine is safe in children who have normal cardiovascular examinations and ECGs when used within the limits of the study design. The cardiovascular effects of desipramine should be kept in mind and monitored when patients are starting tricyclic antidepressant therapy such as desipramine.
Schroeder
J S
JS
Mullin
A V
AV
Elliott
G R
GR
Steiner
H
H
Nichols
M
M
Gordon
A
A
Paulos
M
M
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003891:Desipramine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D003891:Desipramine