Lofepramine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy in depressive illness
by
Lancaster SG, Gonzalez JP
ADIS Drug Information Services,
Manchester, England.
Drugs 1989 Feb; 37(2):123-40

ABSTRACT

Lofepramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is structurally similar to imipramine and is extensively metabolised to desipramine. In the absence of other major pharmacological effects it appears that its antidepressant activity stems from the facilitation of noradrenergic neurotransmission by uptake inhibition, and possibly by the additional facilitation of serotoninergic neurotransmission. The overall therapeutic efficacy of lofepramine is comparable to that of imipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, maprotiline and mianserin in patients with depression of varying severity, and coexisting anxiety. Dry mouth is the most commonly reported side effect of usual therapeutic doses of lofepramine, but the incidence of this and other anticholinergic side effects is less among patients treated with lofepramine than with imipramine. Lofepramine has not been associated with adverse effects on cardiac function even in cases of attempted suicide by overdose. Thus, providing its apparent favourable side effect profile is confirmed in practice, lofepramine may be a valuable alternative for treatment of the depressed patient where a tricyclic is indicated.

Options
Mianserin
Maprotiline
Imipramine
Dumb Drugs
Desipramine
Nortriptyline
Amitriptyline
TCAs v SSRIs
Clomipramine
Norepinephrine
Antidepressant toxicity
Lofepramine (Gamanil) : structure
How effective are commonly prescribed antidepressants?

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