Guanadrel and Maprotiline Hydrochloride

• Generic Name: guanadrel
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

Guanadrel belongs to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

High blood pressure adds to the work load of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Guanadrel works by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. As a result, it relaxes the blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.

Guanadrel is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: maprotiline
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ludiomil

Management of depressive disorders, including dysthymic disorder (depressive neurosis) and major depressive disorder.

Management of anxiety associated with depression.

Bipolar Disorder

Has been used for the management of acute depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.

However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) currently does not recommend antidepressant monotherapy for the management of acute depressive episodes in patients with bipolar disorder to avoid precipitation of hypomania or manic episodes. When antidepressants are used in combination with first-line therapies (e.g., lithium, lamotrigine) in patients with bipolar disorder, antidepressants other than TCAs (e.g., bupropion, SSRIs, venlafaxine) generally are preferred.