Products
Moclobemide is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Aurorix, generics). It has been approved in many countries since 1990.
Structure and properties
Moclobemide (C13H17ClN2O2, Mr = 268.74 g/mol) is a morpholine and chlorinated benzamide derivative. It exists as a white to yellowish white or reddish powder and is sparingly soluble in water.
Effects
Moclobemide (ATC N06AG02) has antidepressant, mood-enhancing, and psychomotor activating properties. It reversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase-A and increases extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. The effects are noticeable within one week.
Indications
For the treatment of depressive syndromes and social phobia.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is taken two to three times a day after meals.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Acute confusional states
- Combination with selegiline, pethidine, and serotoninergic drugs such as SSRIs and other antidepressants.
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Moclobemide is susceptible to drug-drug interactions. Interactions are possible with opioids, MAO inhibitors, cimetidine, serotoninergic agents, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, sympathomimetics, triptans, and tyramine-containing foods, among others.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include skin rashes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, dizziness, headache, nausea, and dry mouth.
