A profile of nomifensine

Abstract

1. Nomifensine is a new antidepressant of novel chemical structure (a tetrahydroisoquinoline) with a pharmacological and therapeutic profile which differentiates it from any existing group of psychotropic agents. 2. The basic animal pharmacological profile is similar to that of the tricyclic antidepressants, imipramine and desmethylimipramine, but with a comparative lack of peripheral anticholinergic and cardiotoxic effects. 3. The pattern of effects on monoamine neurotransmitters is unique amongst antidepressants in that nomifensine is a potent dopamine agonist, has a powerful inhibitory effect on noradrenaline uptake and a weaker inhibitory effect on serotonin uptake. These pharmacological differences are reflected in the behavioural activity of the drug. 4. Clinically nomifensine has been shown to be an effective non-sedative antidepressant; its relative lack of anticholinergic and other somatic side-effects (particularly on the cardiovascular system) have been confirmed in patients.