Agomelatine is a novel and atypical antidepressant that acts as a melatonergic antidepressant and has a distinctly favourable side effect profile.
Agomelatine is a melatonin receptor agonist and a serotonin receptor antagonist with a favourable side effect profile. There is a lack of sexual dysfunction, sleep benefits, and no discontinuation symptoms – all of which confer valuable clinical benefits in the treatment of depression.
Agomelatine exerts affinity for melatonin receptor subtypes, MT1 and MT2, and serotonergic 5-HT2C receptors.