azapirone

Azapirones are a class of psychoactive drugs that act as anxiolytics and antidepressants. They are chemically distinct from benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which are other common classes of anxiolytics. The primary mechanism of action for azapirones involves their interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT1A receptor. They act as partial agonists at this receptor, meaning they can activate it but to a lesser extent than full agonists. This interaction is thought to modulate serotonin neurotransmission, which plays a role in mood and anxiety regulation.

The most well-known azapirone is buspirone, which was introduced in the late 1980s. Other azapirones include gepirone and ipsapirone, though these have had more limited clinical use. Azapirones are generally considered to have a slower onset of action compared to benzodiazepines, often taking several weeks to achieve their full therapeutic effect. They are typically prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and are sometimes used as adjunctive therapy for depression. Side effects are generally considered milder than those associated with benzodiazepines and can include dizziness, nausea, and headache. They are not associated with the same risk of dependence or withdrawal symptoms as benzodiazepines.