Agomelatine for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: focus on its distinctive mechanism of action
Authors: Millan Mark J. 
Published: June 2022

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the most frequently diagnosed form of anxiety, is usually treated by cognitive-behavioural approaches or medication; in particular, benzodiazepines (acutely) and serotonin or serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (long term). Efficacy, compliance, and acceptability are, however, far from ideal, reinforcing interest in alternative options. Agomelatine, clinically employed in the treatment of major depression, expresses anxiolytic properties in rodents and was effective in the treatment of GAD (including severely ill patients) in several double-blind, short-term (12 weeks) and relapse-prevention (6 months) studies. At active doses, the incidence of adverse effects was no higher than for placebo. Agomelatine possesses a unique binding profile, behaving as a melatonin (MT1/MT2) receptor agonist and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist, yet recognizing neither monoamine transporters nor GABAA receptors. Extensive evidence supports a role for 5-HT2C receptors in the induction of anxious states, and their blockade likely plays a primary role in mediating the anxiolytic actions of agomelatine, including populations in the amygdala and bed nucleus of stria terminalis, as well as the hippocampus. Recruitment of MT receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, thalamic reticular nucleus, and hippocampus appears to fulfil a complimentary role. Downstream of 5-HT2C and MT receptors, modulation of stress-sensitive glutamatergic circuits and altered release of the anxiogenic neuropeptides, corticotrophin-releasing factor, and vasopressin, may be implicated in the actions of agomelatine. To summarize, agomelatine exerts its anxiolytic actions by mechanisms clearly distinct from those of other agents currently employed for the management of GAD.

Plain Language Summary

How agomelatine helps in the treatment of anxiety disorders

Introduction:

• Anxiety disorders have a significant negative impact on quality of life. • The most common type of anxiety disorder, called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), is associated with nervousness and excessive worry. • These symptoms can lead to additional symptoms like tiredness, sleeplessness, irritability, and poor attention. • GAD is generally treated through either cognitive-behavioural therapy or medication. However, widely used drugs like benzodiazepines and serotonin reuptake inhibitors have adverse effects. • Agomelatine, a well-established antidepressant drug, has shown anxiety-lowering (‘anxiolytic’) properties in rats and has been shown to effectively treat GAD with minimal side effects. • However, exactly how it acts on the brain to manage GAD is not yet clear. • Thus, this review aims to shed light on agomelatine’s mechanism of action in treating GAD.

Methods:

• The authors reviewed studies on how agomelatine treats anxiety in animals. • They also looked at clinical studies on the effects of agomelatine in people with GAD.

Results:

• The study showed that agomelatine ‘blocks’ a receptor in nerve cells, which plays a role in causing anxiety, called the 5-HT2C receptor. • Blocking this receptor, especially in specific brain regions such as nerve cells of the amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, and hippocampus, produced the anxiety reduction seen during agomelatine treatment. • Agomelatine also activates the melatonin (MT) receptor, which is known to keep anxiety in check, promote sleep, and maintain the sleep cycle. • Agomelatine should thus tackle sleep disturbances commonly seen in patients with GAD. • Beyond 5-HT2C and MT receptors, signalling molecules in nerve cells that are known to be involved in anxiety disorders (called ‘neurotransmitters’ and ‘neuropeptides’) are also affected by agomelatine.

Conclusion:

• Agomelatine’s anxiolytic effects are caused by mechanisms that are distinct from those of other medications currently used to treat GAD. • This explains its therapeutic success and minimal adverse side effects.