A tricyclic antidepressant of the dibenzoxazepine class. Amoxapine exerts its antidepressant effect by inhibiting the re-uptake of norepinephrine and, to a lesser degree, of serotonin, at adrenergic nerve endings and blocks the response of dopamine receptors to dopamine. This drug is used to treat symptoms of depression and may cause tardive dyskinesia. Amoxapine also binds to alpha-adrenergic, histaminergic, and cholinergic receptors which accounts for many of the side effects seen with this agent.

The N-demethylated derivative of the antipsychotic agent LOXAPINE that works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, or both; it also blocks dopamine receptors. Amoxapine is used for the treatment of depression.