WHAT IS ROLIPRAM?

Rolipram is commonly known as a drug used to treat depression.It is in the family of drugs referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). It promotes the release of norepinepherine, which in term produces a better mood and an alleviation of depression symptoms.

Rolipram is actually a selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor and it inhibits phosphodiesterase IV or PDE-IV, particularly the PDE-IVB subtype. Like most PDE4-inhibitors, it is an anti-inflammatory drug. Rolipram has been studied as a possible antidepressant, and it also has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-tumor effects. Rolipram has also been proposed as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, as well, and recent studies show that rolipram may have antipsychotic effects.

 Other beneficial effects of rolipram in animal experiments are:

• Improved long term memory
• Increased wakefulness
• Increased neuroprotection
• In animal studies: promotion of axonal regeneration and functional recovery from spinal cord lesions

SIDE EFFECTS

Rolipram side effects can be experienced by any patient taking the medication. The side effects of Rolipram may include:

• 
• low blood pressure
• dry mouth
• constipation
• altered sleep cycle
• vomiting
• headache
• chest pain
• afternoon drowsiness
• reduction in alcohol tolerance
• fainting
• weight gain
• orthostatic hypotension
• sexual dysfunction
• stiff neck
• nausea
• palpitations
• sweating
• chills
• flushing
• pallor
• fear

USES

Rolipram and other monoamine oxidase inhibitors are most often prescribed to patients with depression who have not experienced any symptom relief with other antidepressants. This medication may also be prescribed totreat bipolar depression and panic disorders. Rolipram may also be beneficial in treating multiple sclerosis, as well.

HOW IT WORKS

Rolipram helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders by preventing monoamine oxidase from burning up the three neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinepherine, serotonin and dopamine. By preventing the burn up of these neurotransmitters, the amount of them in the brain will increase. Patients suffering from depression have low levels of these neurotransmitters, so allowing them to build up will treat and prevent depression symptoms.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients should avoid SSRI antidepressants, because taking these two medications together could result in a life-threatening rise in blood pressure. Diabetic patients may not be able to take Rolipram because it can affect their blood sugar levels. Other contraindications include patients with epilepsy, high blood pressure, bronchitis, heart problems and asthma, and those who cannot follow a strict diet.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Patients should avoid decongestant medications, because they may increase Rolipram side effects. Other drug interactions include tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic antidepressants, SSRI antidepressants, serotonin antagonists, other MAOI medications, asthma medications, cold medications, high blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, low blood pressure medications, mood stabilizers, anesthetics, Demerol, Flexeril, tranquilizers, sedatives, weight loss medications, street drugs, Disulfiram, caffeine and L-dopa.