title: A retrospective evaluation of plasma trazodone concentrations and clinical response in a primary care clinic.
abstract: Trazodone has become a very popular second generation antidepressant. In our experience, trazodone levels are frequently obtained albeit interpretation/utility of these levels and purported normal ranges are in question. We analyzed 39 consecutive cases of major depressive disorder treated with trazodone in a primary care medical clinic. Thirty (79%) of subjects had a positive response. While a positive correlation existed between dosage and concentration of the parent drug, no dose-response correlation could be identified within this cohort. However, a minimum level of 250 ng/ml did appear necessary for a response. The overall utility/cost efficacy of second generation antidepressants, in the absence of well designed dose response studies, is questioned.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Tollefson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saxena
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Luxenberg
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Garvey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014196:Trazodone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014196:Trazodone