Serum levels and response to amitriptyline in depressed out-patients.
Serum levels of amitriptyline plus nortriptyline were measured by radioimmunoassay at 1 and 6 weeks in depressed out-patients treated with amitriptyline for 6 weeks. Serum concentrations at 6 weeks were higher in older patients. Serum levels showed no relationship to clinical response at 6 weeks, and a week inverse relationship with response at 2 weeks. Routine monitoring of serum levels appears to be of little value in depressed out-patients treated with amitriptyline.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D000639:Amitriptyline; D009661:Nortriptyline