Addition of lithium to medication in depressive patient resistant to treatment with tricyclic antidepressive agents
Naarding, P.; van den Broek, W.W.; Bruijn, J.A.; Moleman, P.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 139(11): 574-577
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 7700394 Document Number: 441103
Two women, aged 51 and 65 years, with tricyclic-resistant depression (DSM-III-R) were treated with lithium addition. This is a valuable therapeutic alternative. Interactions and side effects should be closely monitored. Treatment response is possible in a short period of time (1 week), but recovery after lithium addition may also take a few weeks. It is not yet clear which patients will respond to lithium addition and in what way, and which will not. It is advisable to use lithium addition with adequate plasma lithium levels.