title: Selective 5-HT2C agonists as potential antidepressants.
abstract: The antidepressants currently used need improvement, especially in terms of efficacy, relapse rate and onset of action. In this review the clinical and experimental data which support the rationale for 5-HT2C agonists in the treatment of depression are listed. Next, the results obtained with the non-selective 5-HT2C agonists on the market and in clinical development are described. Finally, the preclinical data on the more selective 5-HT2C agonists are summarized. These recent preclinical results reveal a greater potency and effect size compared to fluoxetine, good tolerability and no evidence of tolerance development. Selective 5-HT2C agonists might become innovative drugs for the treatment of depression, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), some forms of aggression and eating disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Scientific Development Group, NV Organon, 5340 BH Oss, The Netherlands. d.leysen@organon.oss.akzonobel.nl
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Leysen