A Comparison of Subjective Responses to Imipramine and Tranylcypromine

Abstract

Although the number of anti-depressant drugs available has grown rapidly in recent years, they are still broadly classified into three main groups. First are the general nervous system stimulants, exemplified by amphetamine, second the group derived from the phenothiazines exemplified by imipramine and third, the monoamineoxidase inhibitors—the first example of which was iproniazid. The general stimulants have many disadvantages, their place in treatment is limited, but fairly well defined. Many monoamineoxidase inhibitors have been found to have serious toxic effects, but some, including tranylcypromine appear to be reasonably safe and effective (Agin, 1960).