fluoxetine + nimodipine

Fluoxetine + nimodipine is a combination of two small molecule drugs, each with distinct mechanisms of action. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used as an antidepressant for major depressive disorder and other psychiatric conditions. It works by inhibiting the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter, increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft, and also has antagonistic effects on certain serotonin and acetylcholine receptors[3]. Nimodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that selectively inhibits L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, particularly affecting cerebral arteries due to its high lipophilicity[2][4][8]. This leads to vasodilation and improved cerebral blood flow. The combination has been studied as an augmentation strategy for treating vascular depression (VaD), where nimodipine added to fluoxetine resulted in better treatment outcomes and lower recurrence rates compared to fluoxetine alone[1]. There are no unique brand or code names for this specific combination; it is referenced by its component drugs.