Anxiolytics serotonin receptor-active

The anxiolytic activity of several compounds in some, but not all, animal models of anxiety in fact suggests that different receptor subtypes may modulate different types of anxiety as discussed below. It would not be surprising if the specific serotonin links to disorders of anxiety also differ among the various disorders of anxiety such as generalized anxiety versus obsessive-compulsive disorder versus panic disorder versus social phobia versus mixed anxiety depression. Such studies are in progress, and much further research is necessary to clarify the potential links between subtypes of anxiety and subtypes of serotonin receptors. 

S-HTjc, and 5-HTj receptors may be especially involved in the serotonin system s response in anxiety. Most interest has focused around 5-HTj, drugs (buspirone, ipsapirone, gepirone, tandospirone, flesinoxan, and others]. Some preclinical data indicate that antagonists at S-HTj, S-HTj, and 5-HT3 receptors may also exert anxiolytic activity, but so far these findings have not been consistently confirmed in clinical trials. 

Ramelteon is a hypnotic with melatonin receptor agonist activity targeting melatonin MTj and MT2 receptors. It has not been proven to induce dependence. As with zolpidem and zaleplon, no known anxiolytic properties have been elicited. No appreciable activity on serotonin, dopamine, GABA, or acetylcholine is present with the parent compound, but in vitro studies report that its primary metabolite M-II has weak 5-HT2g receptor agonist activity. 

Serotonin (5HT) Excitatory or inhibitory, depending on receptor subtype (multiple) with second messenger coupling (except 5HT3 subtype coupled directly to ion channel) activities modified by CNS stimulants, antidepressants, some anxiolytics. 

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