Posted by Emily Elizabeth on September 21, 2006, at 22:16:23
In reply to Re: how to know if i reach/maintain therapeutic le » Jost, posted by iforgotmypassword on September 21, 2006, at 22:03:18
I have similar problems w/ meds. I always need a higher level for an effect. When I was tested for desipramine level I also was suprisingly low for the dose. My pdoc didn't seem all that concerned b/c it isn't a perfect measure and we were deciding where to stop my dose based on side effects.
Many meds, like SSRI's (prozac, paxil, zoloft, etc.) and SNRI's (effexor, cymbalta) don't have clear blood levels. Others do, like TCA's (desipramine, imipramine, etc.) and lithium. I believe that blood levels are established by medical research just like any other sort of blood test would be (thyroid, blood sugar, etc.)
I think this condition (if it can be called that) is generally called being a "rapid metabolizer." I do not know of a test for it. You may need to augment with multiple medications to get an adequate effect. You need a somewhat aggressive pdoc.
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:687995
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060919/msgs/688035.html