isocarboxazid + mianserin

Isocarboxazid + mianserin is a combination of two antidepressant drugs used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, particularly in cases of endogenous depression or melancholia. Isocarboxazid is a nonselective, irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that increases levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine by inhibiting their breakdown via MAO-A and MAO-B enzymes[3][4]. Mianserin is a tetracyclic antidepressant that acts primarily as an antagonist at alpha-adrenergic receptors, histamine H1 receptors, and certain serotonin receptor subtypes; it also weakly inhibits norepinephrine reuptake and stimulates its release[2]. The combination has been reported to induce rapid improvement in depressive symptoms with full recovery often seen within two weeks. Clinical studies have shown this regimen can be effective for patients who have not responded to other treatments. Common side effects include weight gain; serious interactions are rare but careful monitoring is required due to the risk profile associated with MAOIs[1][5].