Nortriptyline pharmacokinetics and plasma levels: implications for clinical practice.
The pharmacokinetics of TCAs are reviewed with particular emphasis on nortriptyline, the agent most extensively studied. The clinical uses of TCA plasma level-response studies are discussed in relationship to rational dosage adjustment to increase response rates and avoid iatrogenic toxicity. Other important topics discussed include the issue of active metabolites, single-dose prediction studies, and special considerations in treating the elderly and the medically ill.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; C013567:10-hydroxynortriptyline; D009661:Nortriptyline