Modern indications for the use of opipramol

Opipramol is considered as a pharmacological agent that does not fit the classification taking into account the division of antidepressants, antipsychotics and anxiolytics. It has a structure related to tricyclic antidepressants but it has a different mechanism of action, i.e. binding to sigma1 and to sigma2 sites. It has been regarded as an effective drug in general anxiety disorders together with other agents like SSRI`s, SNRI`s, buspirone and pregabalin for many years. It can however also be indicated in other conditions, e.g. it may be used as a premedication in the evening prior to surgery, positive results are also observed in psychopharmacological treatment with opipramol in somatoform disorders, symptoms of depression can be significantly reduced in the climacteric syndrome. The latest data from literature present also certain dangers and side effects, which may result due to opipramol administration. Mania may be induced not only in bipolar patients treated with opipramol, but it can be an adverse drug reaction in generalized anxiety disorder. This analysis shows however that opipramol is an important drug still very useful in different clinical conditions.