Metheptazine

Metheptazine

Metheptazine is a phenothiazine derivative that is used as an antipsychotic medication. It was first synthesized in the 1950s and has been used in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders.

History

Metheptazine was first synthesized in the 1950s by the French pharmaceutical company Rhône-Poulenc. It was one of the first phenothiazine derivatives to be developed and was initially used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other severe psychiatric disorders.

Pharmacology

Metheptazine acts as an antagonist at various neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. It has strong antipsychotic effects due to its ability to block dopamine receptors, which are thought to be overactive in conditions such as schizophrenia. It also has antihistamine effects due to its ability to block histamine receptors, and can have sedative effects due to its ability to block certain serotonin receptors.

Clinical use

Metheptazine is used in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety disorders. It can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting, particularly when these symptoms are caused by certain medications or medical conditions.

Side effects

Like other phenothiazine derivatives, metheptazine can cause a range of side effects. These can include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and dry mouth. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary movements of the face and body.

See also

• Phenothiazine
• Antipsychotic
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder