Agomelatine for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

Introduction: Agomelatine is a melatonergic antidepressant, approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Europe and Australia, but not in the United States. This compound seems to be promising in the short-term and maintenance treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Areas covered: This paper presents an evaluation of the available data about the clinical efficacy and tolerability of agomelatine in the treatment of GAD.

Expert opinion: First-line GAD treatments are limited by high rates of lack of clinical response. Preliminary data would indicate agomelatine as a safe compound, and with a higher rate of clinical response in the short-term and an earlier improvement of symptoms with respect to Selective Serotonine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Selective Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). In addition, agomelatine has not been associated with potential risk of abuse as in case of pregabalin and with long-term metabolic side effects similar to quetiapine. The major limitation of the results presented is that little data has come from long-term or comparative trials. Furthermore, some caution should be reserved in case of liver impairment (e.g. in subjects with alcohol abuse).