Pirlindole in the Treatment of Depression and Fibromyalgia Syndrome

 Clinical Drug Investigation, 09/01/2011

Branco JC et al. - The effect of pirlindole on sensorimotor performance relevant to driving a motor vehicle is similar to that of placebo, as pirlindole appears to have an activating rather than a sedating antidepressant profile. Because of its specific and reversible inhibition of MAO-A and relatively short elimination half-life, no tyramine or ‘cheese’ effect is likely after short- or long-term administration. The available evidence supports pirlindole as a safe and effective treatment option for the management of depression and fibromyalgia syndrome.

• Depression and fibromyalgia syndrome are debilitating chronic conditions that impose a significant burden on individuals, families and society.
• Both depression and fibromyalgia have many overlapping symptoms, and antidepressants of several classes are among recommended treatment options for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.
• Pirlindole is a selective and reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) subtype A (MAO-A) that is approved in some European and non-European countries for the treatment of depression.
• The antidepressant efficacy and safety of pirlindole have been demonstrated in a number of placebo- and active comparator-controlled studies and are supported by many years of clinical experience in the treatment of depression.
• The drug's efficacy and safety have also been demonstrated, more recently, in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome.
• Pirlindole has a favourable tolerability profile, with no deleterious effect on cardiovascular dynamics.