Tag: Receptor blockade

First approved by the FDA in 1964, desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that primarily increases norepinephrine levels in the brain to help regulate mood and alleviate depressive symptoms. So, what does desipramine do to the brain to produce these therapeutic effects and influence other neurological functions? It works by altering the activity of several key neurotransmitters.

A pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla. A critical rule in the management of this condition is **why are only beta blockers not used in pheochromocytoma** before adequate alpha-blockade, as this sequence can lead to a catastrophic and life-threatening hypertensive crisis.

Over 600 medications, including antidepressants and antihistamines, have some degree of anticholinergic activity, which can lead to significant side effects from cholinergic receptor blockade. Understanding these effects is crucial for managing medication risks and recognizing symptoms of toxicity.