The pharmacology of iprindole,a new antidepressant

Summary Iprindole, a tricyclic indole antidepressant shares in common with imipramine-type antidepressants the ability to potentiate the central effects of amphetamine, and potentiate the peripheral effects of direct acting catecholamines. In contrast to imipramine-type compounds iprindole does not inhibit H³NE uptake centrally or peripherally, does not block the peripheral actions of indirect acting sympathomimetic amines nor block the inhibiting effects of guanethidine on the vas deferens preparation. These findings suggest that iprindole enhances activity of adrenergic receptors through a mechanism unrelated to inhibition of reuptake of norepinephrine.The minimal anticholinergic and antihistaminic activity of iprindole supports the contention that these effects are unnecessary for antidepressant activity.Tests involving potentiation of amphetamine proved to be more predictive of the antidepressant activity of iprindole than tests involving reserpine antagonism.