IMIPRAMINE AND DESIPRAMINE PLASMA-LEVELS - RELATIONSHIP TO DOSAGE SCHEDULE AND SAMPLING TIME

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (8) , 660-663
Abstract
Tricyclic antidepressant plasma levels were determined after administration of imipramine (11 patients) and desipramine (10 patients) as a single daily bedtime dose or in divided doses. Plasma levels of the tricyclics were relatively stable or both dosage schedules due to the long plasma half-lives of these drugs. No difference was found between the 2 dosage schedules and the therapeutic effectiveness or the severity of side effects. The majority of patients preferred the single dose schedule. These findings support the use of a single daily dose of imipramine and desipramine.