Melatonin analogue agomelatine could have role in treating major depression

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 17:30 in Health & Medicine

A New Drug Class paper published Online First by The Lancet looks at the use of melatonin and its analogues—traditionally used to modify the body's internal clock (circadian system)—in the treatment of major depression. Agomelatine is an analogue that shows particular promise, since it provides similar levels of antidepressant activity as some other common antidepressants, while also improving the sleep-wake patterns of those treated. The paper is by Professor Ian B Hickie, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia, and Associate Professor Naomi L Rogers, Central Queensland University, Mackay, QLD, Australia.

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