Treatment of manic episodes of manic-depressive illness; maintenance therapy to prevent or diminish frequency and intensity of subsequent manic episodes

Clonazepam’s exact mechanisms not understood; benzodiazepines potentiate the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Buspirone lacks antiseizure, sedative, or muscle relaxant properties; binds serotonin receptors, but the clinical significance is unclear.

Exact mechanisms are not understood; acts mainly at subcortical levels of the CNS, leaving the cortex relatively unaffected.

Generic Name: mirtazapine Brand Name: Remeron, Remeron SolTab Other Info: Pregnancy Category C Drug class: Antidepressant (tetracyclic) Indication Relief of symptoms of depression (endogenous depression most responsive) Contraindications and cautions Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to any tricyclic or tetracyclic drug; concomitant therapy with an MAOI; pregnancy (limb reduction abnormalities reported); lactation Use cautiously with ECT; preexisting CV disorders (eg, severe coronary heart disease, progressive CHF, angina pectoris, paroxysmal tachycardia [...]

Mechanism of action unknown; TCAs inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, leading to an increase in their effects; anticholinergicat CNS and peripheral receptors; sedative.

Exact mechanisms of action not understood; main sites of action may be the limbic system and reticular formation; increases the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter; anxiety blocking effects occur at doses well below those necessary to cause sedation, ataxia.

Fluoxentine HCl (Prozac) Acts as an antidepressant by inhibiting CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin; blocks uptake of serotonin with little effect on norepinephrine; little affinity for muscarinic, histaminergic, and alpha1-adrenergic receptors.