Which antidepressant was withdrawn despite manufacturers' claims of benefit?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regulatory concepts (fast-track approval and incentives for rare-disease drugs), so they don’t fit as the drug that was withdrawn.