Praktické lekárnictvo 3/2012

The novel antidepressant agomelatine shows also anxiolytic effects

A novel drug in the class of antidepressants agomelatine is unique in its pharmacological mechanisms of action. Initially it was investigated to treat circadian sleep disturbances due to its agonistic influence on the melatonergic (MT1 and MT2) receptors. Preclinical as well as clinical studies however demonstrated antidepressive effects of agomelatine what is believed to be associated with its combined pharmacological action that is a blockage at serotonin 5-HT2C receptors. Stimulation of these receptors is known to induce panic in man and anxiogenic-like effects in animals, while their blockage elicited anxiolytic action. Furthermore the anxiolytic effect of agomelatine is not inhibited by co-administration of the selective blocker of melatonergic receptors S-22153. According to results of preclinical and recent clinical studies agomelatine is considered for suppression of anxious symptoms in depressed patients and for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Keywords: agomelatine, antidepressant, anxiolytic.