Biochem/physiol Actions
Orally active serotonin norepinephrine modulating agent (SNMA). Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI), 5-HT2B antagonist, 5-HT2C agonist in vitro and in vivo.
Viloxazine (ICI 58,834) is an orally active serotonin norepinephrine modulating agent (SNMA) originally reported as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) with antidepressant (ED10 from 0.3-1 mg/kg p.o. against reserpine-induced hypothermia in mice), while exhibiting less sedative efficacy (locomotor activity reduction ED10 from 3-10 mg/kg p.o. in mice) and no monoamine oxidase inhibitory potency. Viloxazine shows 5-HT2B antagonist and 5-HT2C agonist activity in vitro and increases extracellular 5-HT levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in vivo, a brain area implicated in Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).