Posted by Racer on September 22, 2006, at 2:22:28
In reply to Re: how to know if i reach/maintain therapeutic le » iforgotmypassword, posted by Jost on September 21, 2006, at 21:19:07
Most of the newer drugs don't, and there's maybe some evidence that the older drugs weren't as clear as they seemed... The TCAs mostly can be tested. Blood levels will usually indicate effective levels. When I took nortriptyline, back at the dawn of time, it took about three times what the doctor expected before I reached the therapeutic window.
That's not a "condition," though. That's just individual variation. It was explained to me a while back, but of course I can't remember it all. (I think I can remember where to find my bed... That's where I needed to be two hours ago...) What I do remember is that poor metabolizers get a higher level of some drugs, and a lower level of others. And, of course, vice versa.
The bottom line, though, is that some people require higher doses than others. And that TCAs generally have known therapeutic windows, so they can be tested for. It's unfortunate that the newer drugs don't have those, since it might help with knowing when to throw in the towel with them...
poster:Racer
thread:687995
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060919/msgs/688077.html