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Dos Santos RG, da Silva Dias IC, Zuardi AW, Queiroz RHC, Guimarães FS, Hallak JEC, Crippa JAS. Lack of Acute Agomelatine Effect in a Model of Social Anxiety in Healthy Volunteers: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2024:00004714-990000000-00269. [PMID: 39008875 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agomelatine is an antidepressant drug that acts as an agonist of melatoninergic MT1/2 receptors and an antagonist of serotonergic 5-HT2C receptors. Studies suggest that agomelatine has anxiolytic properties in social anxiety, but there are no studies that assessed the effects of this compound in human experimental anxiety induced by a public speaking test. The objective of our investigation was to assess the effects of agomelatine on human experimental anxiety using the Simulation Public Speaking Test (SPST). METHODS Agomelatine (25 mg, n = 14), citalopram (20 mg, n = 14), venlafaxine (75 mg, n = 14), or placebo (n = 14) were administered in single doses to healthy volunteers in a double-blind study. Subjective anxiety was assessed with the Visual Analogue Mood Scale. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and blood levels of prolactin and cortisol were also recorded, as well as plasma levels of the 3 drugs. RESULTS The SPST induced significant subjective, physiological, and hormonal effects in all groups. The SPST also increased the anxiety and decreased mental sedation Visual Analogue Mood Scale factors during the anticipatory and performance phases of the test. Citalopram increased anxiety during the test in females, whereas agomelatine and venlafaxine were not different from placebo. CONCLUSIONS Confirming previous results, a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor, citalopram, caused an anxiogenic effect in the SPST only in females. Acute administration of a low dose of agomelatine failed to modify the behavioral and physiological changes caused by this test. Future studies using higher doses and repeated administration should investigate if agomelatine behavioral and physiological effects could be detected in human experimental anxiety models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabella C da Silva Dias
- From the Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Regenass W, Möller M, Harvey BH. Studies into the anxiolytic actions of agomelatine in social isolation reared rats: Role of corticosterone and sex. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:134-145. [PMID: 29082818 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117735769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are severely disabling, while current pharmacological treatments are complicated by delayed onset, low remission rates and side-effects. Sex is also noted to contribute towards illness severity and treatment response. Agomelatine is a melatonin (MT1/MT2) agonist and serotonin (5-HT2C) antagonist purported to be anxiolytic in clinical and some pre-clinical studies. We undertook a detailed analysis of agomelatine's anxiolytic activity in a neurodevelopmental model of anxiety, the social isolation reared rat. Rats received sub-chronic treatment with vehicle or agomelatine (40 mg/kg per day intraperitoneally at 16:00 h for 16 days), with behaviour analysed in the open field test, social interaction test and elevated plus maze. The contribution of corticosterone and sex was also studied. Social isolation rearing increased locomotor activity and reduced social interaction in the social interaction test, and was anxiogenic in the elevated plus maze in males and females. Agomelatine reversed these behaviours. Male and female social isolation reared rats developed anxiety-like behaviours to a similar degree, although response to agomelatine was superior in male rats. Social isolation rearing decreased plasma corticosterone in both sexes and tended to higher levels in females, although agomelatine did not affect corticosterone in either sex. Concluding, agomelatine is anxiolytic in SIR rats, although correcting altered corticosterone could not be implicated. Sex-related differences in the response to agomelatine are evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilmie Regenass
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,2 Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marisa Möller
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,2 Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,2 Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Levitan MN, Papelbaum M, Soares G, Simões P, Zugliani M, Freire RC, Mochcovitch M, Nardi AE. Agomelatine in Panic Disorder: A 6-Week Follow-Up Case Series. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2016; 36:395-6. [PMID: 27285660 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle N Levitan
- Institute of Psychiatry Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Institute of Psychiatry Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Agomelatine as a novel treatment option in panic disorder, results from an 8-week open-label trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2015; 35:336-8. [PMID: 25856784 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Perugi G, Quaranta G, Bucci N. The use of agomelatine in OCD: effects on the motivational aspects and dysregulated circadian rhythms. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2015; 24:705-13. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2015.1021918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Altamura AC, Caldiroli A, Buoli M. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of fluvoxamine for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2015; 11:649-60. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2015.1021331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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De Berardis D, Fornaro M, Serroni N, Campanella D, Rapini G, Olivieri L, Srinivasan V, Iasevoli F, Tomasetti C, De Bartolomeis A, Valchera A, Perna G, Mazza M, Di Nicola M, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M. Agomelatine beyond borders: current evidences of its efficacy in disorders other than major depression. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:1111-30. [PMID: 25569089 PMCID: PMC4307293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16011111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Agomelatine, a melatonergic antidepressant with a rapid onset of action, is one of the most recent drugs in the antidepressant category. Agomelatine's antidepressant actions are attributed to its sleep-promoting and chronobiotic actions mediated by MT1 and MT2 receptors present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, as well as to its effects on the blockade of 5-HT2c receptors. Blockade of 5-HT2c receptors causes release of both noradrenaline and dopamine at the fronto-cortical dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways. The combined actions of agomelatine on MT1/MT2 and 5-HT2c receptors facilitate the resynchronization of altered circadian rhythms and abnormal sleep patterns. Agomelatine appeared to be effective in treating major depression. Moreover, evidence exists that points out a possible efficacy of such drug in the treatment of bipolar depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol dependence, migraines etc. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to elucidate current evidences on the role of agomelatine in disorders other than major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Berardis
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital "G. Mazzini", ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Department of "Scienze della Formazione", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy.
| | - Nicola Serroni
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University "G. D'Annunzio", 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Daniela Campanella
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University "G. D'Annunzio", 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Rapini
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University "G. D'Annunzio", 66013 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Luigi Olivieri
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital "G. Mazzini", ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Venkataramanujam Srinivasan
- Sri Sathya Sai Medical Educational and Research Foundation, Medical Sciences Research Study Center, Prasanthi Nilayam, 40-Kovai Thirunagar Coimbatore-641014, 641014 Tamilnadu, India
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Psychopharmacotherapeutics, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Carmine Tomasetti
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Psychopharmacotherapeutics, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Andrea De Bartolomeis
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Psychopharmacotherapeutics, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Valchera
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Villa S. Giuseppe Hospital, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
| | - Giampaolo Perna
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Villa San Benedetto Menni, Albese con Cassano, 22032 Como, Italy.
| | - Monica Mazza
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital "G. Mazzini", ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Marco Di Nicola
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital "G. Mazzini", ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University "G. D'Annunzio", 66013 Chieti, Italy.
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Buoli M, Mauri MC, Altamura AC. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of agomelatine for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2014; 10:885-92. [PMID: 24717138 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2014.907794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preliminary data indicate agomelatine as a promising molecule for both acute and long-term treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). AREAS COVERED The present review illustrates the pharmacokinetic properties of agomelatine and their implications for the management of GAD patients. A search of the main database sources (Medline, Isi Web of Knowledge and Medscape) was performed in order to obtain a complete and balanced evaluation of agomelatine pharmacokinetics for the treatment of GAD. The word 'agomelatine' was associated with 'pharmacokinetics', 'GAD', 'anxiety' and 'tolerability'. No restriction criteria were established in relation to methodology or year of publication. Only English-language articles were included. EXPERT OPINION Short half-life and 1-day administration make agomelatine an interesting molecule for GAD treatment. However, potential interactions with a number of compounds necessitate caution when prescribing and using agomelatine in patients with psychiatric (e.g., alcohol abuse) or medical comorbidities. Further data are necessary to define a precise risk/benefit ratio in special populations such as elderly patients suffering from GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Buoli
- University of Milan, Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan , Italy
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De Berardis D, Conti CM, Marini S, Ferri F, Iasevoli F, Valchera A, Fornaro M, Cavuto M, Srinivasan V, Perna G, Carano A, Piersanti M, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M. Is there a role for agomelatine in the treatment of anxiety disorders?A review of published data. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2013; 26:299-304. [PMID: 23755745 DOI: 10.1177/039463201302600203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (Ads) are the most common type of psychiatric disorders, Pharmacologic options studied for treating ADs may include benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSA) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Agomelatine, a new melatonergic antidepressant, has been shown effective in various types of mood disorders. Moreover, some evidence points towards a possible efficacy of such a drug in the treatment of ADs. Therefore, the aim of this review was to elucidate current (facts and views) data on the role of agomelatine in the treatment of ADs. The trials evaluating agomelatine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder are few but, overall, encouraging in regards to its efficacy. However, further randomized, placebo-controlled studies on larger samples use are needed. Apart from some interesting case reports, no large studies are, to date, present in literature regarding agomelatine in the treatment of other ADs, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, the clinical efficacy and the relative good tolerability of agomelatine in generalized anxiety (GAD) warrants further investigation in ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D De Berardis
- Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital G. Mazzini, ASL 4 Teramo, Italy
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Fornaro M, McCarthy MJ, De Berardis D, De Pasquale C, Tabaton M, Martino M, Colicchio S, Cattaneo CI, D'Angelo E, Fornaro P. Adjunctive agomelatine therapy in the treatment of acute bipolar II depression: a preliminary open label study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2013; 9:243-51. [PMID: 23430979 PMCID: PMC3575211 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s41557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The circadian rhythm hypothesis of bipolar disorder (BD) suggests a role for melatonin in regulating mood, thus extending the interest toward the melatonergic antidepressant agomelatine as well as type I (acute) or II cases of bipolar depression. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-eight depressed BD-II patients received open label agomelatine (25 mg/bedtime) for 6 consecutive weeks as an adjunct to treatment with lithium or valproate, followed by an optional treatment extension of 30 weeks. Measures included the Hamilton depression scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Clinical Global Impression Scale-Bipolar Version, Young Mania Rating Scale, and body mass index. RESULTS Intent to treat analysis results demonstrated that 18 of the 28 subjects (64%) showed medication response after 6 weeks (primary study endpoint), while 24 of the 28 subjects (86%) responded by 36 weeks. When examining primary mood stabilizer treatment, 12 of the 17 (70.6%) valproate and six of the 11 (54.5%) lithium patients responded by the first endpoint. At 36 weeks, 14 valproate treated (82.4%) and 10 lithium treated (90.9%) subjects responded. At 36 weeks, there was a slight yet statistically significant (P = 0.001) reduction in body mass index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores compared to respective baseline values, regardless of mood stabilizer/outcome. Treatment related drop-out cases included four patients (14.28%) at week 6 two valproate-treated subjects with pseudo-vertigo and drug-induced hypomania, respectively, and two lithium-treated subjects with insomnia and mania, respectively. Week 36 drop outs were two hypomanic cases, one per group. CONCLUSION Agomelatine 25 mg/day was an effective and well-tolerated adjunct to valproate/lithium for acute depression in BD-II, suggesting the need for confirmation by future double blind, controlled clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fornaro
- Department of Formative Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Fornaro M. Switching from serotonin reuptake inhibitors to agomelatine in patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a 3 month follow-up case series. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2011; 10:5. [PMID: 21356085 PMCID: PMC3058071 DOI: 10.1186/1744-859x-10-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) currently represent the cornerstone of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) pharmacotherapy. However, OCD is characterized by high rates of partial and/or absent response to standard, recommended treatments, often prompting pharmacological and non-pharmacological augmentation or switching of strategies. Agomelatine, a novel melatonin agonist and selective serotonin antagonist (MASSA) antidepressant approved for major depressive disorder (MDD) has recently been additionally proposed as a treatment for anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and panic disorder (PD), but not yet OCD. Nonetheless, agomelatine may have a role in the management of OCD, essentially due to its anxiolytic 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)2C blockade action, while melatonin (MT)1 and MT2 modulation might contribute to circadian rhythm restoration if impaired. METHODS This case series reports the outcome of six patients with or without comorbid mood and/or other anxiety disorders who were treated with SRIs at adequate doses for at least 8 weeks, showing partial or no response. Patients were then switched to agomelatine 50 mg/day, and followed up for 12 weeks. RESULTS Three out of six patients, in particular those with relevant circadian rhythm subjective impairment, showed a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score reduction of ≥35%. No relevant side effects were observed, but initial, transient, self-remitting dizziness in one patient and weight gain in another were seen. CONCLUSIONS Although clinical confounding factors (subthreshold bipolarity and eventually the presence of impaired circadian rhythms) and methodological boundaries (lack of control and neurophysiological recording, tiny sample size and short follow-up) limit the validity of this preliminary observation, it does indicate agomelatine may have a role in some SRI-refractory OCD cases, thus prompting the validity of investigation by further controlled studies, even for drug-naïve OCD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fornaro
- University of Genova, Department of Psychiatry, Genoa, Italy.
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