Anticholinergic effects and plasma desipramine levels.

Anticholinergic effects of the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine were studied in 12 outpatients. Objective measurements of salivation and pulse rate and subjective ratings of mouth dryness and palpitations were made before and during treatment with desipramine at a final daily dosage of 150 mg. There were significant changes after 3 wk of treatment in all parameters except ratings of palpitation. Subjects with moderate or high plasma desipramine levels had more suppression of salivation than those with low levels. Changes in salivation and pulse did not correlate, nor did they correlate with subjective reports.