Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Heterocyclic Compounds > Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring > Dibenzazepines Terms and Definitions

Dibenzazepines

	Carbamazepine - An anticonvulsant used to control grand mal and psychomotor or focal seizures. Its mode of action is not fully understood, but some of its actions resemble those of PHENYTOIN; although there is little chemical resemblance between the two compounds, their three-dimensional structure is similar.
	Clomipramine - A tricyclic antidepressant similar to IMIPRAMINE that selectively inhibits the uptake of serotonin in the brain. It is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and demethylated in the liver to form its primary active metabolite, desmethylclomipramine.
	Clozapine - A tricylic dibenzodiazepine, classified as an atypical antipsychotic agent. It binds several types of central nervous system receptors, and displays a unique pharmacological profile. Clozapine is a serotonin antagonist, with strong binding to 5-HT 2A/2C receptor subtype. It also displays strong affinity to several dopaminergic receptors, but shows only weak antagonism at the dopamine D2 receptor, a receptor commonly thought to modulate neuroleptic activity. Agranulocytosis is a major adverse effect associated with administration of this agent.
	Desipramine - A tricyclic dibenzazepine compound that potentiates neurotransmission. Desipramine selectively blocks reuptake of norepinephrine from the neural synapse, and also appears to impair serotonin transport. This compound also possesses minor anticholingeric activity, through its affinity to muscarinic receptors.
	Imipramine - The prototypical tricyclic antidepressant. It has been used in major depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression, attention-deficit disorders, agoraphobia, and panic disorders. It has less sedative effect than some other members of this therapeutic group.
	Lofepramine - A psychotropic IMIPRAMINE derivative that acts as a tricyclic antidepressant and possesses few anticholinergic properties. It is metabolized to DESIPRAMINE.
	Mianserin - A tetracyclic compound with antidepressant effects. It may cause drowsiness and hematological problems. Its mechanism of therapeutic action is not well understood, although it apparently blocks alpha-adrenergic, histamine H1, and some types of serotonin receptors.
	Opipramol - A tricyclic antidepressant with actions similar to AMITRIPTYLINE.
	Trimipramine - Tricyclic antidepressant similar to IMIPRAMINE, but with more antihistaminic and sedative properties.

Dibenzazepines Medical Definitions and Terms