Melitracen
Melitracen is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is used primarily in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It is a member of the dibenzazepine group of tricyclics, which also includes imipramine and clomipramine. Melitracen is typically used in combination with flupentixol to form the antidepressant drug Deanxit.
Pharmacology[edit]
Melitracen acts by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that play key roles in the pathophysiology of depression. By blocking their reuptake, melitracen increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Clinical Use[edit]
Melitracen is used primarily in the treatment of depression, particularly when the depression is associated with anxiety. It is also used in the treatment of neurotic depression, endogenous depression, and reactive depression. In addition, melitracen may be used in the treatment of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Side Effects[edit]
Like all tricyclic antidepressants, melitracen can cause a number of side effects. These may include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, and orthostatic hypotension. In rare cases, melitracen may cause more serious side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and hepatotoxicity.
Contraindications[edit]
Melitracen is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tricyclic antidepressants. It is also contraindicated in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, recent myocardial infarction, severe liver disease, and angle-closure glaucoma.
See Also[edit]
