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British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology logoLink to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
. 1978;5(Suppl 1):71S–76S.

Relationship between mianserin plasma levels and antidepressant effect in a double-blind trial comparing a single night-time and divided daily dose regimens

S Montgomery, R McAuley, D B Montgomery
PMCID: PMC1429212  PMID: 341947

Abstract

1 Twenty-six in-patients and 24 out-patients suffering from moderate or severe primary depressive illness were randomly allocated to either a single night-time dose of mianserin 60 mg or a three times daily regimen in a double-blind controlled trial.

2 There was no significant difference in antidepressant effect between the two dosage regimens in either patient group measured using Hamilton Rating Scale (HRS), the Beck Self-Rating Inventory (BSRI) and the new Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Scale (MADS).

3 A significant negative correlation (-0.36, P<0.05) was found between plasma levels and clinical response using the MADS. A trend for patients with low levels to do worse was also observed suggesting a curvilinear relationship. A highly significant poorer clinical response in patients with levels above 70 μg/l was observed using the MADS (t = 3.33, P<0.005). This was also seen with the HRS (t = 2.42, P<0.02).

4 A significant correlation (r = 0.29, P<0.05) with age is reported, and a highly significant increased variability (F = 7.07, P<0.001) of mianserin plasma levels in patients over 55 was demonstrated.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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