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Desipramine in agoraphobia with panic attacks: an open, fixed-dose study.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|August 1, 1987
Summary
This study found that higher plasma desipramine (DMI) levels are linked to better treatment outcomes for agoraphobia with panic attacks. Increasing DMI dosage improved non-responders, suggesting a dose-dependent effect.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Agoraphobia with panic attacks is a debilitating condition.
- Treatment often involves pharmacotherapy, but response can be variable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma desipramine (DMI) levels and treatment response in patients with agoraphobia.
- To evaluate the efficacy of increasing DMI dosage in non-responders.
Main Methods:
- Open-label trial of 200 mg desipramine (DMI) daily for 12-16 weeks in 14 patients.
- Plasma DMI levels were measured to assess steady-state concentrations.
- Dosage was adjusted in non-responders to achieve higher plasma levels.
Main Results:
- Responders generally had higher DMI levels (>125 ng/ml).
- Non-responders typically had lower DMI levels (<125 ng/ml).
- Four non-responders showed dramatic improvement after dosage increase to >150 ng/ml.
Conclusions:
- Higher plasma desipramine levels may be crucial for effective treatment of agoraphobia with panic attacks.
- Dose optimization based on plasma levels can improve outcomes for non-responders.