Side effects of desipramine and age.
BACKGROUND
The treatment response of children and adolescents to tricyclic antidepressants differs from that of adults. Few data exist on the impact of age on side effects. This study compares desipramine-associated side effects in children, adolescents, and adults.


METHODS
Data from three trials of desipramine were combined to produce a sample of 148 subjects, aged 7 to 66 years. Pulse and blood pressure were measured at baseline and while participants were receiving desipramine. Side effects were rated by a clinician. For data analysis, subjects were divided into two groups, younger patients (18 and younger) and older patients (19 and older). Group means of side effect ratings and vital signs were compared. Results were also analyzed covarying for plasma levels of desipramine.


RESULTS
There were significant differences between younger and older patients in pulse and blood pressure at baseline, on desipramine, and in changes in vital signs between baseline and medicated states. Younger patients had significantly lower mean ratings for constipation and dry mouth.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with desipramine results in differing degrees of subjective side effects and changes in vital signs across the life cycle. Physicians should not assume that side effects experienced by children and adolescents are identical to those experienced by adults.
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York 10032, USA. cg168@columbia.edu
Cathryn A
CA
Galanter
Carina
C
Bilich
B Timothy
BT
Walsh
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D003891:Desipramine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis
D003891:Desipramine