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