Determination Of Appropriate Clomipramine Dosage Among Depressed African Outpatients In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Ethnic and racial factors have been implicated as determinants to the outcome of psychotropic medication. Ethnic differences in response to such medication affects dosage requirements and risk of potential side effects. Looking specifically at antidepressant medication, significantly lower treatment and maintenance dosage requirements have been noted in Orientals when compared to Occidentals. Patients were noted to respond equally to antidepressants regardless of the dosage chosen in Asia and other developing countries as opposed to the Occident where higher doses were effective.