[Clomipramine and demethylclomipramine. Correlation of plasma levels and efficacy in 24 depressive patients].

Plasma concentrations of clomipramine (CL) and demethylclomipramine (DMCL) were determined in 24 patients with an endogenous (9) or non endogenous (15) depressive syndrome, treated in hospital for 21 days, with clomipramine; simultaneous clinical evaluations were performed with Hamilton Rating Scale. Optimal therapeutic effect was observed when the sum of CL + DMCL plasma levels was less 200 ng/ml or more 400 ng/ml. In our responders, the CL/DMCL ratio was around 0.6. The relation between demethylation and clinical outcome is considered.