Pharmacological properties of 2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-8-methyl-1H-pyrazino [3,2,1-j,k]carbazol hydrochloride (pirlindole), a new antidepressant.

The hydrochloride salt of 2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-8-methyl-1H-pyrazino[3,2,1-j,k]carbazol hydrochloride (pirlindole) exerts pharmacological effects typical of antidepressants. This compound antagonizes the depressant effects of reserpine and tetrabenazine and potentiates the central effects of amphetamine and l-dopa. It also enhances the head-twitch effect of 5-hydroxy-tryptophan, the effects of noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin, tyramine on blood pressure as well as the hypertensive and tremor activities of tryptamine. Pirlindole inhibits the neuronal uptake of noradrenaline and exerts reversible, short-lasting anti-MAO activity. It does not possess anti-cholinergic activity. Clinical trials have shown pirlindole to be effective as an antidepressive drug.