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Second generation antidepressants: The pharmacological and clinical significance of selected examples

1983; Wiley; Volume: 3; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/ddr.430030302

1098-2299

Robert A. Maxwell,

Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Abstract Until recently, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors were the only therapies available for mental depression. These compounds, while effective, have significant cardiovascular and autonomic side effects and it was recognized that there was room for improvement. As a result of the labors of chemists and pharmacologists over the last 10 years, new or “second generation” compounds are being studied in man. Many of these compounds are structurally, biochemically, and pharmacologically distinct from tricyclic compounds and monoamine oxidase inhibitors and therefore hold out the promise of more effective therapy with fewer side effects. As an interesting offshoot of these structural, biochemical, and pharmacological differences it appears that the prevailing catecholamine theory of affective disorders and of the mode of action of therapeutic agents is challenged. Iprindole, mianserin and bupropion are discussed as examples of second generation antidepressants.