Posted by sherry on March 9, 2000, at 11:09:35
In reply to Re: Reboxetine vs tomoxetine, posted by Cam W. on March 9, 2000, at 10:39:11
> > Would someone please clarify for me what the difference between desipramine and reboxetine is. I know they both effect levels of NE, and that despram. is a tricyclic, but how do they differ chemically? Also, if someone can not take desipramine is it likely that they could not take reboxetine?
>
> Sherry - Reboxetine more selectively blocks norepinephrine reuptake. Desipramine, or more generally TCAs, bind significantly to more receptors (muscarinc/cholinergic, serotonin reuptake, alpha-adrenergic, norepinephrine reuptake, and histaminic receptors). This is why TCAs have so many side effects. Side effects are really only effects of the drug we don't want. A side effect in one disorder may be the mechanism of action in another disorder. Different TCAs have different affinities (or bind stronger) for each of these receptors. For example, Desipramine preferentially binds to (blocks) norepinephrine reuptake receptors and Clomipramine binds stronger to serotonin reuptake receptors. Drug companies develop now develop drugs to bind to as few receptors as possible to minimize side effects. So, you can consider Reboxetine to be like Desipramine, but without as many side effects. Hope this helps - Cam W.Thanks Cam W. for yet another lesson. I am learning a lot from this board, and I always look forward to reading all your posts.~Sherry
poster:sherry
thread:26073
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26459.html