The relationship of response to neuroleptic dose and desipramine plasma
concentration was examined in 31 patients with unipolar delusional
depression. The patients received either perphenazine or haloperidol for
1-2 weeks, after which desipramine, 2.5 mg/kg of body weight per day, was
added. Neuroleptic dose varied among patients but was constant within
individuals. Global response was rated retrospectively on the basis of
outcome during the fourth week of combined drug treatment. Responders had
higher plasma desipramine concentrations and had received higher
neuroleptic doses than nonresponders had. The effective threshold level for
desipramine was similar to that previously described for nonpsychotic
melancholic patients, suggesting a similar mode of action for the drug in
the two disorders.Abstract Teaser