Plasma Concentrations of Tranylcypromine in Depressed Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Purpose The prevalence of comorbid depression and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is high. The aim of this brief report was to review 2 cases of treatment with tranylcypromine (TCP) in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and CKD. Tests of the plasma concentration of TCP were included. Methods Medical and psychiatric notes of the 2 patients were reviewed with plasma concentrations of TCP as a key aspect of the discussion. The data are evaluated in the context of relevant medical and pharmacokinetic literature. Findings Plasma concentrations of TCP are highly variable both in patients with and without CKD. Plasma concentrations of TCP were not increased in the 2 cases with CKD as compared with literature data of patients without CKD. No signs of intoxication were detected in 2 cases with CKD that impaired continuous treatment of depression with TCP. Implications TCP may be considered in selected cases of TRD with concomitant CKD. More clinical data and tests of plasma concentrations of TCP are needed in patients with CKD.