We present a case with decreased metabolic activity of CYP2D6, a cytochrome P450 enzyme catalyzing the metabolism of nortriptyline (NT). Conventional dosage regimen led to toxic plasma concentration of NT and adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness in this case with genotype CYP2D6*5/*10B. This case suggests the clinical usefulness of pharmacogenetic testing in individualized dosage adjustments of NT.
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic/*adverse effects/pharmacokinetics ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6/*genetics/metabolism ; Depression/*drug therapy/genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nortriptyline/*adverse effects/pharmacokinetics