Nialamide

Nialamide is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that was used as an antidepressant in the 1950s and 1960s, but has since been discontinued. It is a non-selective and irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO).

History

Nialamide was first synthesized in the 1950s as part of a wave of new psychotropic medications that emerged in the wake of the discovery of chlorpromazine. It was one of the first MAOIs to be developed and was used extensively for the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Pharmacology

As an MAOI, Nialamide works by inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By preventing the breakdown of these neurotransmitters, Nialamide increases their availability, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Side Effects and Discontinuation

Like other MAOIs, Nialamide can cause a range of side effects, including hypertension, insomnia, and dizziness. It can also interact dangerously with certain foods and other medications, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome.

Nialamide was discontinued in the 1960s due to concerns about its safety and the emergence of newer, safer antidepressants. Despite its discontinuation, it played a significant role in the history of psychopharmacology and paved the way for the development of later generations of MAOIs.

See Also

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
• Antidepressant
• Psychopharmacology