What is the difference between the antidepressants lofepramine (Gamanil) and seroxat (paroxetine)?
Lofepramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, or TCAD, and paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. These descriptions relate to their chemical nature. Both work by affecting neuro-transmitters in the brain to try and alleviate the symptoms of depression. Both can be effective methods of treatment and a lot of the choice depends on the patient’s presentation, and on the way individuals react to them in terms of response and side effects. In general terms, the tricyclic antidepressants tend to be more sedative, although lofepramine has fewer sedative effects than many others in this group. The TCAD’s may be more suitable for patients who have a high degree of anxiety and agitation and poor sleep, because of their more sedative properties. They should not be used in patients who have glaucoma or prostate problems. The selective serotonin reputake inhibitors (SSRI’s) tend to be better tolerated and less sedating and are much safer in overdose. There may be some effect
