Agomelatine is an antidepressant drug. It is classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine disinhibitor (NDDI) due to its antagonism of the 5-HT2C receptor. Activation of 5-HT2C receptors by serotonin inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine release. Antagonism of 5-HT2C results in an enhancement of DA and NE release and activity of frontocortical dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways. [1] Agomelatine is also a potent agonist at melatonin receptors which makes it the first melatonergic antidepressant. [1]
