Dibenzapine derivatives

The dibenzapine derivatives are called tricyclic antidepressants and include imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin), amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl), protriptyline (Vivactil), and doxepin (Adapin). 

The three-ring nucleus characteristic of the dibenzapine derivatives has given rise to their name of tricyclics or heterocyclics. They resemble the phenothiazine derivatives such as chlorpromazine in structure and function. 

The dibenzapine derivatives are called tricyclic antidepressants and include imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin), amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl), protriptyline (Vivactil), and doxepin (Adapin). Amitriptyline is indicated in depression major depression with melancholia or psychotic symptoms depressive phase of bipolar disorder depression associated with organic disease, alcoholism, schizophrenia, or mental retardation anorexia or bulimia associated with depression (see Figure 20). 

Quetiapine fumarate is a dibenzapine derivative that has antipsychotic effects, apparently caused by dopamine and serotonin receptor blockade in the CNS. It is indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia and as short-term treatment of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder, as either monotherapy or adjunct therapy to lithium or divalproex. 

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