Plasma Concentrations of Mianserin after Single Dose and at Steady-State in Depressed Elderly Patients

Abstract
Plasma mianserin and desmethylmianserin concentrations were measured in 17 clinically depressed elderly patients after a single 30mg dose of mianserin. The patients then received mianserin 30mg daily for up to 6 weeks and the plasma concentrations were measured at weekly intervals. The relationship between concentrations of mianserin and desmethylmianserin at steady-state and at 16 and 24 hours after the single test dose was not good enough to be used for prediction of dosage requirements. Reasons for this finding are discussed.