Agomelatine

Primer

Agomelatine is an atypical antidepressant melatonin receptor agonist and a serotonin 5-HT2C receptor antagonist.

Mnemonic

AgoMELatine is a MELatonin receptor agonist.

Pharmacodynamics

Mechanism of Action

Agomelatine stimulates the melatonin receptors and blocks serotonin receptors.

Adverse Events

  • Agomelatine may require regular liver function testing due to its potential to elevate liver enzymes (1.3%) and sporadic cases of toxic hepatitis.[1]

References

1) Kennedy, S. H., Lam, R. W., McIntyre, R. S., Tourjman, S. V., Bhat, V., Blier, P., ... & CANMAT Depression Work Group. (2016). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 clinical guidelines for the management of adults with major depressive disorder: section 3. Pharmacological treatments. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(9), 540-560.