Agomelatine

Agomelatine, sold under the brand name Thymanax among others, is an atypical antidepressant most commonly used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. One review found that it is as effective as other antidepressants with similar discontinuation rates overall but fewer discontinuations due to side effects. Another review also found it was similarly effective to many other antidepressants. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which usually subside in the first few weeks, as well as liver problems – due to the potential effect on the liver, blood tests before treatment initiation, at specific time-points after initiation, and after dose increase is recommended. Its use is not recommended in people with dementia, or who are under the age of 18 or over 75. There is tentative evidence that it may have fewer side effects than some other antidepressants. It acts by blocking certain serotonin receptors and activating melatonin receptors. Agomelatine was authorized for medical use in the European Union in 2009 and Australia in 2010. Its use in the United States is not approved. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Servier.