Recent observations on new potential and established antidepressant drugs.

Zimelidine is the first selective inhibitor of SHT re-uptake, that has undergone extensive therapeutic trials in man. Its antidepressive activity has been established beyond doubt. Blockade of SHT re-uptake would thus appear to be a use· ful principle for antidepressant action. Zimelidine is devoid of the general affinity for a variety of membrane bound receptor and non-receptor molecules which is characteristic for the polycyclic antidepressants. This will probably explain the much lower incidence of the side effects typical of the latter drugs after treatment with zimelidine, e.g. anticholinergic ac· tions, sedation and cardiotoxicity.