Desipramine

/dɛˈsɪprəmin/ noun

Definition

A tricyclic antidepressant medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and certain chronic pain conditions.

Etymology

A pharmaceutical compound name formed from chemical nomenclature; 'des-' indicates a modified structure, combined with a chemical identifier. Created in the 1960s as part of systematic development of antidepressant medications.

Kelly Says

Desipramine was one of the earliest antidepressants discovered, and it revolutionized treatment for depression—it works by preventing your brain from reabsorbing the 'happy chemicals' serotonin and norepinephrine, letting them hang around longer to improve mood.

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