[Agomelatine].
In February 2009 the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) approved agomelatine (Valdoxan), a sleep modulating antidepressant, for the treatment of major depressive disorders in adults. Agomelatine is an agonist of melatonergic MT1 and MT2 receptors and a serotonin 5-HT2C receptor antagonist. Thereby it can normalize altered circadian rhythms, improve slow wave sleep and enhance the release of dopamine and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex which has positive effects on mood, impulse and anxiety. Clinical trials have shown superior efficacy compared to placebo and equal efficacy compared to standard antidepressants, rapid onset of action and low extent of adverse events.
Medizinische Monatsschrift für Pharmazeuten, Birkenwaldstrasse 44, Stuttgart. mtessmer@deutscher-apotheker-verlag.de
Mirjam
M
Tessmer
D000081:Acetamides / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects; D009281:Naphthalenes
D000081:Acetamides; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; C084711:agomelatine; D009281:Naphthalenes