title: Blonanserin - A Novel Antianxiety and Antidepressant Drug? An Experimental Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many psychiatric disorders show signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. A drug with both, effects and lesser adverse effects is always desired. Blonanserin is a novel drug with postulated effect on anxiety and depression.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Blonanserin on anxiety and depression in animal models.
  
  
  METHODS
  By using elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test, the antianxiety and antidepressant effects were evaluated. Animal ethics protocols were followed strictly. Total 50 rats (10 rats per group) were used for each test. As a control drug diazepam and imipramine were used in elevated plus maze and forced swimming test respectively. Blonanserin was tested for 3 doses 0.075, 0.2 and 0.8mg. These doses were selected from previous references as well as by extrapolating human doses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study showed an antianxiety effect of Blonanserin comparable to diazepam, which was statistically significant. Optimal effect was observed with 0.075mg, followed by 0.2 and 0.8mg. It also showed an antidepressant effect which was statistically significant. Optimal effect was observed at 0.2mg dose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that at a dose range of 0.075 and 0.2mg Blonanserin has potential to exert an adjuvant antianxiety and antidepressant activity in animal models. In order to extrapolate this in patient, longer clinical studies with comparable doses should be planned. The present study underlines potential of Blonanserin as a novel drug for such studies.
authors: Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College and Hospital , Sangli, Maharashtra, India .
authors: Ramchandra Prabhakar
authors: RP
authors: Limaye
authors: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College and Hospital , Sangli, Maharashtra, India .
authors: Aditi Nitin
authors: AN
authors: Patil
keywords: Antipsychotic; Anxiety; Atypical; Depression