Agomelatine: The Novel Antidepressant

Abstract

Major depression is a common mental illness, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antidepressants have been the first-line therapies due to their confirmed efficacy, however, considering high rate of poor treatment response to these therapies, distressing side effects, and delayed onset of their efficacy, there has been much effort to find alternative treatments for major depression. Recently, evidence regarding disturbed circadian rhythms involved in the pathophysiology of major depression has emerged, the interest on this area has been increasing. Agomelatine is an emerging antidepressant, with a unique profile of selective antagonist at serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptors and melatonin receptor agonist. Previous studies have shown its superior efficacy over placebo in treating major depression. Previous trials have shown comparable antidepressant efficacy of agomelatine compared to other standard antidepressants including venlafaxine, sertraline, and fluoxetine. Regarding safety profile of agomelatine, it seems to be not associated with sexual dysfunction and it has less potential for serotonin syndrome or discontinuation syndrome than standard antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Considering favorable results on the efficacy and safety of agomelatine in treating depression, it could be a good, safe treatment alternative in the treatment of depression.