Amoxapine (Amoxapine Tablets) Drug Information: Clinical Pharmacology

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May 24, 2012

Amoxapine

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What are antidepressants and how do they work?

Antidepressants are a class of drugs that reduce symptoms of depressive disorders by correcting chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. Chemical imbalances may be responsible for changes in mood and behavior.

Neurotransmitters are vital, as they are the communication link between nerve cells in the brain. Neurotransmitters reside within vesicles found in nerve cells, which are released by one nerve and taken up by other nerves. Neurotransmitters not taken up by other nerves are taken up by the same nerves that released them. This process is called "reuptake." The prevalent neurotransmitters in the brain specific to depression are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline).

In general, antidepressants work by inhibiting the reuptake of specific neurotransmitters, hence increasing their levels around the nerves within the brain, such...

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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Amoxapine (amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) tablets) is an antidepressant with a mild sedative component to its action. The mechanism of its clinical action in man is not well understood. In animals, amoxapine (amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) tablets) reduced the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and blocked the response of dopamine receptors to dopamine. Amoxapine is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

Amoxapine (amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) tablets) is absorbed rapidly and reaches peak blood levels approximately 90 minutes after ingestion. It is almost completely metabolized. The main route of excretion is the kidney. In vitro tests show that amoxapine (amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) tablets) binding to human serum is approximately 90%.

In man, amoxapine (amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) tablets) serum concentration declines with a half-life of eight hours. However, the major metabolite, 8-hydroxyamoxapine (amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) tablets) , has a biologic half-life of 30 hours. Metabolites are excreted in the urine in conjugated form as glucuronides.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that amoxapine (amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) tablets) has a more rapid onset of action than either amitriptyline or imipramine. The initial clinical effect may occur within four to seven days and occurs within two weeks in over 80% of responders.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/1/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.