Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (subtypes: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5)

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptors responsible for mediating the effects of acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Desipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, interacts as a minor antagonist at these receptors, contributing to its anticholinergic side effect profile. While desipramine’s primary therapeutic action is inhibition of the norepinephrine transporter, its weak affinity for muscarinic receptors produces modest anticholinergic adverse effects, less severe than other TCAs such as amitriptyline.

Other names

Muscarinic receptorM1 receptorM2 receptorM3 receptorM4 receptorM5 receptorCholinergic muscarinic receptor

Antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to anticholinergic effects: reduced parasympathetic activity, cognitive impairment, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision