A new synthesis of epinastine hydrochloride has been described: The reaction of 6-chloro-11H-dibenzo[b,e]azepine (I) with NaCN in DMSO at 90 C gives 11H-dibenzo[b,e]azepine-6-carbonitrile (II), which is reduced with AlH3 (prepared from LiAlH4 and H2SO4 in THF) in THF to afford 6-(aminomethyl)-6,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,e]azepine (III). Finally, this compound is cyclized with cyanogen bromide in THF and treated with HCl.