Fenoxypropazine

Fenoxypropazine is a pharmaceutical drug that belongs to the class of antidepressants. It is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that was developed in the 1960s but is no longer widely used in clinical practice due to the development of newer and safer alternatives.

Pharmacology

Fenoxypropazine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that are involved in mood regulation. By blocking their reuptake, fenoxypropazine increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Clinical Use

Fenoxypropazine was primarily used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, due to its side effect profile and the development of safer alternatives, it is no longer commonly used.

Side Effects

Like other TCAs, fenoxypropazine can cause a number of side effects. These can include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and orthostatic hypotension. In addition, it can also cause cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening in some cases.

History

Fenoxypropazine was developed in the 1960s as a new treatment for depression. However, its use declined in the following decades due to the development of newer and safer antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

See Also

• Tricyclic antidepressant
• Serotonin
• Norepinephrine
• Major depressive disorder
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors