Maprotiline Hydrochloride

Adults: Adults may take the full dose once a day instead of splitting it into smaller doses through the day. Some people notice benefit within 3 to 7 days, though it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for the full effect to appear. Initial Adult Dosage: Outpatients with mild to moderate depression usually start on 75 mg a day. Some patients, particularly the elderly, may instead start on 25 mg a day. Because maprotiline stays in the body a long time, this starting dose should be kept unchanged for 2 weeks before any adjustment. After that, the dose can be raised gradually in steps of 25 mg, as needed and as tolerated. Most outpatients respond well to a maximum of 150 mg a day, and this should not be exceeded except in the most severely depressed patients, who may have their dose raised gradually to a maximum of 225 mg. Patients with more severe depression who are hospitalized should start on 100 mg to 150 mg a day, which may be raised gradually as needed and tolerated. Most hospitalized patients with moderate to severe depression respond to a daily dose of 150 mg, though some may need as much as 225 mg. The daily dose should never go above 225 mg. Elderly Patients: Lower doses are generally recommended for patients over 60 years of age. A maintenance dose of 50 mg to 75 mg a day is usually enough for elderly patients who cannot tolerate higher amounts.