Antidepressant effects of flupenthixol.

Strong evidence exists that flupenthixol, not presently distributed in the United States, is an effective antidepressant. Its advantages over available antidepressants include its safety with respect to overdose and in combination with other medications, low dependency risk, rapid onset of action, and availability in depot preparation. Flupenthixol also may be useful as a mood elevator for schizophrenics, an alternative mood stabilizer for patients with bipolar disease, and a facilitator for cocaine withdrawal.