Mebanazine

A monoamine oxidase inhibitor used as an antidepressant

Chemical structure of Mebanazine

Mebanazine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that was used as an antidepressant in the treatment of depression. It belongs to the class of hydrazine derivatives and functions by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which leads to an increase in the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain.

Pharmacology

Mebanazine works by irreversibly binding to the monoamine oxidase enzyme, thereby preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters. This results in increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which is thought to contribute to its antidepressant effects. The inhibition of monoamine oxidase can lead to increased levels of tyramine, a naturally occurring monoamine compound, which can cause hypertensive crises if dietary restrictions are not followed.

Clinical Use

Mebanazine was primarily used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, particularly in patients who did not respond to other types of antidepressants. Due to its potential for serious side effects and interactions with certain foods and medications, its use has declined with the development of newer antidepressants that have more favorable safety profiles.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Mebanazine include dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, and weight gain. More serious side effects can include hypertensive crisis, especially when taken with foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses and cured meats. Patients taking Mebanazine were advised to adhere to a strict diet to avoid these interactions.

Discontinuation

The use of Mebanazine has largely been discontinued in favor of newer antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which have fewer dietary restrictions and a more favorable side effect profile.

Related pages

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
• Antidepressant
• Depression (mood)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor