Agomelatine

Agomelatine is a new antidepressant that is a potent agonist of melatonin receptors and an antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor subtype. It is used for major depressive disorder , with overall mild to moderate side effects.

Indications

Major depressive disorder

Dosage

Oral’ 25-50 mg once daily.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity, Cirrhosis/liver failure

Special Precautions

Liver function to be monitored during treatment Paediatric: Safety and efficacy not yet established Pregnancy: Data not sufficient in humans. In animal studies no effect on fertility, embryofetal development and pre and post natal development is seen. Lactation: Data not sufficient Elderly: No effect documented in > 75 years age, so it should not be used in this age group

Side Effects

dizziness, sleepiness, insomnia, migraine, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, excessive sweating, back pain, tiredness, anxiety, increased levels of liver enzymes in your blood, vomiting, paraesthesia, blurred vision, restless legs syndrome , agitation, abnormal dreams, erythematous rash, swelling, hepatitis

Drug Interactions

CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g. fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin), estrogen, rifampicin.