Which antidepressant was withdrawn despite manufacturers' claims of benefit?

Which antidepressant was withdrawn despite manufacturers' claims of benefit?

• A. Expedited Approval
• B. Orphan Drugs
• C. Tranylcypromine
• D. Orphan Drug Act

Answer: (C)

The situation highlights how safety concerns and evolving evidence can override earlier claims of benefit for an antidepressant. Tranylcypromine, an older monoamine oxidase inhibitor, illustrates this: despite initial support for its antidepressant effects, its use carried significant safety risks—such as dangerous interactions with certain foods and other drugs, and potential severe hypertensive or serotonin-related reactions. These safety issues led to restrictions and, in some markets, withdrawal after initial promotional claims of benefit. The other options aren’t antidepressants at all but regulatory concepts (fast-track approval and incentives for rare-disease drugs), so they don’t fit as the drug that was withdrawn.

The situation highlights how safety concerns and evolving evidence can override earlier claims of benefit for an antidepressant. Tranylcypromine, an older monoamine oxidase inhibitor, illustrates this: despite initial support for its antidepressant effects, its use carried significant safety risks—such as dangerous interactions with certain foods and other drugs, and potential severe hypertensive or serotonin-related reactions. These safety issues led to restrictions and, in some markets, withdrawal after initial promotional claims of benefit. The other options aren’t antidepressants at all but regulatory concepts (fast-track approval and incentives for rare-disease drugs), so they don’t fit as the drug that was withdrawn.