A therapeutic drug monitoring of the antidepressive mirtazapine under clinical conditions

Objective The results concerning a therapeutic drug monitoring of the modern antidepressive Mirtazapine in 147 in-patients (m=52, f=95) since 2001 will be presented. Methods In addition to measuring the serum concentration of Mirtazapin, standardized patient data were collected and examined; the clinical history was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Results The median of Mirtazapine-concentraion was 52,84 ng/ml. The main clinical indication (44%) to the therapeutic drug monitoring was the control of patients drug compliance. No significant correlation of the serum concentration and the daily dosage was found. There was seen no significant difference between the serum concentrations of men and women. Conclusions Inter- and intraindividual differences in serum concentrations of Mirtazapine could be observed. Drug monitoring therefore seems useful in clinical setting and is recommended.