Repurposings of drugs

Phenelzine, a potent yet often misunderstood MAO inhibitor, is being repurposed for the treatment of prostate cancer.  The more uses available for this drug, the more likely it is to remain produced, good news for many of the adherents who swear by its use. Some of the same properties that make Selegiline (another MAO inhibitor) beneficial in Parkinson’s disease may also be operative in its role as a neuroprotective. Phenelzine appears to support mitochondrial health and is now listed  by some as a potential smart drug. However, only animal experiments only have been performed. Historically, phenelzine has been avoided by physicians because of early reports of hypertensive crisis when combined with certain foods containing tyramine or medications containing sympathomimetics. There continues to be debate about the drug, with the consensus being it is safer than thought, but still requires some caution when prescribed.

Another psychiatric drug being repurposed is Disulfiram, historically known as Antabuse, used to deter alcohol consumption. Disulfiram has shown potential in treating Lyme disease, as it appears to damage the bacteria associated with the infection. Developments in this area have been reported in infectious disease literature. While many patients improve with treatment, some experience moderate side effects.  

Amitriptyline, the old tricyclic antidepressant is another one that is used for very different reasons than it was when I began in mental health. Then it was given as a first line antidepressant, a tricyclic, somewhat more sedative than other tricyclics. Now it seems more popular with pain physicians, with some tendency to soften the experience of pain.