Levomilnacipran: a newly approved drug for treatment of major depressive disorder.

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Mago R, Mahajan R, Thase ME

Levomilnacipran: a newly approved drug for treatment of major depressive disorder.

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2014 Mar;7(2):137-45. doi: 10.1586/17512433.2014.889563.

PubMed ID

24524592 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Levomilnacipran is a novel serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) for the treatment of major depressive disorder. This paper reviews up-to-date data on the pharmacology, short- and long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability of levomilnacipran. The drug differs from previously available SNRIs in having twice the potency for norepinephrine versus serotonin reuptake inhibition. In four of the six short-term clinical trials, levomilnacipran was statistically significantly more efficacious than placebo. The only available relapse prevention study did not show reduction in time to relapse, perhaps because relapse rates were low. The commonest adverse events occurring twice as often as on placebo were nausea, hyperhidrosis, constipation, tachycardia, vomiting, erectile dysfunction, palpitations, and ejaculation disorder. In a few patients, hypertension or orthostatic hypotension may occur. Levomilnacipran has been shown to be effective in the short-term treatment of major depressive disorder and may represent an incremental advance. However, further research about its efficacy in subgroups of patients and comparing it to other antidepressants is needed.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs

Levomilnacipran

Drug Interactions

• Approved
• Vet approved
• Nutraceutical
• Illicit
• Withdrawn
• Investigational
• Experimental
• All Drugs

Drugs	Interaction
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Levomilnacipran Ethanol	Ethanol can cause an increase in the absorption of Levomilnacipran resulting in an increased serum concentration and potentially a worsening of adverse effects.
Levomilnacipran Furazolidone	The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be decreased when Furazolidone is combined with Levomilnacipran.
Levomilnacipran Procaine	The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be decreased when Procaine is combined with Levomilnacipran.
Levomilnacipran Procarbazine	The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be decreased when Procarbazine is combined with Levomilnacipran.
Levomilnacipran Rasagiline	The risk or severity of serotonin syndrome can be decreased when Rasagiline is combined with Levomilnacipran.