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Steady-state plasma concentrations during single and multiple dosage schedules of amitriptyline

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

R. A. Braithwaite*
Affiliation:
Poisons Unit and Department of Psychiatry, Guy's Hospital, London
B. R. S. Nakra
Affiliation:
Poisons Unit and Department of Psychiatry, Guy's Hospital, London
R. Gaind
Affiliation:
Poisons Unit and Department of Psychiatry, Guy's Hospital, London
*
1Address for correspondence: R. A. Braithwaite, Poisons Unit, Guy's Hospital, London S.E.l.

Sysnopsis

Plasma amitriptyline and nortriptyline concentrations were measured in a group of five adult subjects who each received two different dosage regimes of amitriptyline (Tryptizol) for 14 day periods—namely, 25 mg three times daily and 75 mg once nightly. Mean steady-state plasma concentrations during the two dosage regimes were in close accord. The daily variation in drugplasma concentrations were only minimal during the thrice daily dosage regime but during the once nightly dosage regime there was an average decline in total drug plasma concentrations (amitriptyline plus nortriptyline) of about 30%. It was concluded that antidepressant medication with amitriptyline using a single nightly dose schedule might be more reliably taken by patients without there being any significant reduction in therapeutic efficacy.

Type
Preliminary communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1974

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