CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF DESIPRAMINE IN CHILDREN JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Schroeder, J. S., MULLIN, A. V., Elliott, G. R., Steiner, H., Nichols, M., Gordon, A., Paulos, M. 1989; 28 (3): 376-379

Abstract

The effect of desipramine hydrochloride was studied in children who were treated for eating disorders (5), attention deficit disorder (13), or affective disturbance (3). Serial heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, and 24-hour ambulatory monitoring were recorded before treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks during treatment. Maximum dose of desipramine was 5 mg/kg/day, average 4.25. A 21% increase in heart rate and 2.5% increase in QTc at 4 weeks were sustained at 8 weeks. No dysrhythmias or clinically significant changes in blood pressure occurred. Desipramine is safe in children who have normal cardiovascular examinations and ECGs when used within the limits of the study design. The cardiovascular effects of desipramine should be kept in mind and monitored when patients are starting tricyclic antidepressant therapy such as desipramine.

View details for Web of Science ID A1989U609000012

View details for PubMedID 2661525