Sympathomimetic drug classification

MAO Is have not been evaluated systematically for treatment of PD under the current diagnostic classification and generally are reserved for patients who are refractory to other treatments.48,49 MAOIs have significant side effects that limit adherence. Additionally, patients must adhere to dietary restriction of tyramine and avoid sympathomimetic drugs to avoid hypertensive crisis. 

Amphetamine [XXII) is a central stimulant and many would not classify it with the antidepressant drugs proper. It has, however, been extensively used in the treatment of depression, it produces euphoria and some at least of its actions may be due to inhibition of monoamine oxidase. However, it also inhibits dopamine- S-oxidase, impairs the noradrenaline binding capacity of the brain and has direct sympathomimetic activity. Its classification with the antidepressants seems, therefore, to be justified, but it is not included with the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, since only a small part of its action can be attributed to enzyme inhibition. Amphetamine is a potentially addictive drug and it should be used cautiously and over short periods of time. Other compounds which are used, if at all, only for the treatment of mild depression, include methylphenidate [XXIII), pipradol [Table 5.2) and deanol (XXIV). The last named compound is interesting since it may owe its effectiveness to a stimulant action on acetylcholine synthesis > . ... 

FIGURE 10-1 Classification of adrenergic receptor agonists and drugs that produce sympathomimetic effects. For... 

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