Early onset of action of amineptine

A priority in the treatment of depression is to obtain rapid improvement at an early stage. Since depressed patients, who are often convinced that nothing can be done for them, may well have difficulty in adhering to the therapeutic management plan, they can be both uncooperative and neglectful of treatment measures. The rapid correction of this often resigned apathy is an essential aspect of treatment. According to a variety of clinical criteria, amineptine often achieves rapid improvement, particularly on measures of psychomotor retardation. Initially, antidepressant medication is an essential measure in the relief of depressive symptoms, although subsequently, it may also become a complement to psychotherapeutic support. Amineptine has been shown to act directly on the dopaminergic pathway, unlike other antidepressants, which act on this system only via their effects on the serotonergic or noradrenergic systems.