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| Eliminationhalf-life | 4–16 days |
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| Formula | C16H16F3NO |
| Molar mass | 295.305 g·mol−1 |
Seproxetine, also known as(S)-norfluoxetine, is aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).[1][2] It is theSenantiomer of norfluoxetine, the mainactive metabolite of the widely usedantidepressantfluoxetine;[3] it is nearly 4 times more selective for stimulatingneurosteroid synthesis relative to serotonin reuptake inhibition than fluoxetine.[4] It is formed through thedemethylation, or removal of amethyl group, of fluoxetine.[5] Seproxetine is both an inhibitor ofserotonin anddopamine transporters,5-HT2A and5-HT2C receptors.[6] It was being investigated byEli Lilly and Company as an antidepressant; however, it inhibited theKvLQT1 protein, which is responsible for the management of theQT interval. This is the time it takes for the heart to contract and recover. Due to the inhibition, the QT interval was prolonged, which could lead to significant cardiac side complications.[7] Due to this,development of the medication was discontinued.[1] Tests on its efficacy found that it was equivalent to fluoxetine, but sixteen times more powerful than theR enantiomer of norfluoxetine.[8]