Agomelatine is an effective antidepressant with excellent response and remission rates, has a good safety profile and is well tolerated, its novelty and its difference with other antidepressants lies in its influence on circadian rhythm.
Agomelatine, also marketed as Valdoxan, is an antidepressant that is part of the psychoanaleptic group.
- In fact.
- It is an analogue of melatonin.
- The hormone that is involved in the natural sleep cycle.
- This hormone is produced by the pineal gland and performs various functions in our body.
- Especially the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.
Agomelatine is considered the first drug of a new generation of antidepressants, called MASSA, selective antagonists of melatonin antagonists.
Agomealine, according to its data sheet, is indicated for the treatment of episodes of major depression in adults, in these patients it highlights its impact on sleep because it improves quality of life and decreases its latency, as well as improves sleep stability in REM. Phase.
This is due, as we have said above, to its influence on circadian rhythm. Recently, evidence has been found between major depression and the desynchronization of circadian rhythms, although much remains to be studied because the body’s internal mechanisms are complex.
Melatonin improves sleep in patients with depression, but does not yet have any antidepressant effects as such, nor does it influence mood during the day; however, melatonin agonists, such as agomelatine, with slightly different properties, have been found to be effective antidepressants.
Therefore, agomelatine is used as an antidepressant in major depressive disorders in adults, with the advantage of improving changes in the sleep-wake rhythm of these patients without producing daytime sedation.
Agomelatein is a melatonin agonist, with affinity for MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors; at the same time, it is a 5-HT2C serotonin receptor antagonist; it also increases the release of dopamine and adrenaline, especially in the frontal cortex.
Its antidepressant effects are mainly due to its action on melatonin receptors and 5-HT2C, it is interesting to note that MT1 and 5-HT2C receptors oscillate circadianly, regulated by light, in addition to antagonism on the 5-HT2C receptor prevents the inhibitory effects of light on melatonin synthesis, increasing its release.
It should be noted that, by not acting on 5-HT1A receptors, muscarinics and histamines, agomelatine does not have the associated side effects, such as sedation, overweight, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, cardiovascular effects, etc. .
The most common side effects in treatment with agomelatine are headache, nausea and dizziness. In general, they are mild and transient. In addition, they usually go away during the first two weeks of treatment. Other common side effects of treatment with this medicine include:
As you can see, many of its side effects are related to sleep and the influence of agomelatine on circadian rhythm, as we have said, these are usually transient effects until the body adapts to the drug, yet it is important to be careful.
In all cases, if side effects are detected during treatment with the drug, especially at first, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Antidepressant treatment should not be abruptly discontinued or without medical advice.
In conclusion, agomelate is an effective, innovative and forward-thinking drug. Should we continue to study to ensure its long-term effectiveness and?Why not allow its use among minors in the future.