nomifensine

Nomifensine is a synthetic small molecule antidepressant that acts as a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It was developed in the 1960s by Hoechst AG (now part of Sanofi) and marketed under the brand names Merital and Alival. Nomifensine was approved for the treatment of depression and found to be effective with relatively few sedative or anticholinergic side effects. Its mechanism involves potent inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, with little effect on serotonin uptake. The drug was withdrawn from global markets in the mid-to-late 1980s due to an increased risk of hemolytic anemia[1][2][4][5]. It is now primarily used in scientific research related to dopamine release and addiction.

Brand names

MeritalAlival

Other names

nomifensinD,L-nomifensine(+/-)-nomifensine2-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-8-yamineNomifensinumLinamiphen