title: Melatonin and its agonists: an update.
abstract: The pineal hormone melatonin is able to shift the timing of circadian rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle, and to promote sleep. Melatonin agonists with similar properties have therapeutic potential for the treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Depression is specifically targeted by agomelatine, which is also a serotonin-2C (5-HT(2C)) antagonist.
authors.forename: Josephine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arendt
authors.forename: Shantha M W
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rajaratnam
mesh_terms: D000081:Acetamides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007192:Indenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008550:Melatonin / Q000819:agonists / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D009281:Naphthalenes
chemical_list: D000081:Acetamides; D001572:Benzofurans; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D007192:Indenes; D008550:Melatonin; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; C084711:agomelatine; D009281:Naphthalenes; C495910:ramelteon; C478745:tasimelteon