The cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil has antidepressant-like properties in the mouse forced swim test.

ABSTRACT: Finding new antidepressant agents is of high clinical priority given that many cases of major depressive disorder (MDD) do not respond to conventional monoaminergic antidepressants such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Recent findings of effective fast-acting antidepressants indicate that there are biological substrates to be taken advantage of for fast relief of depression and that we may find further treatments in this category. In this vein, the cholinergic system may be a relatively overlooked target for antidepressant medications, given its major role in motivation and attention. Furthermore, the classically engaged monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems in depression treatment-serotonin, norepinephrin

SUBMITTER: Fitzgerald PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7382650 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature