Abecarnil
Encyclopedia
Abecarnil is an anxiolytic
drug
from the β-Carboline
family. It is one of a relatively recently developed class of medicines known as the nonbenzodiazepine
s, which have similar effects to the older benzodiazepine
group, but with quite different chemical structure
s. It is a partial agonist
acting selectively
at the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor.
Abecarnil was originally developed as an anti-anxiety drug, but has not as yet been commercially developed for use in humans, instead so far mainly being used for research into the development of other new sedative
and anxiolytic
drugs. Investigations are continuing into its actions and it looks likely to be developed for use both in the treatment of anxiety, and as a less addictive substitute drug for the treatment of benzodiazepine and alcohol
addiction
. Abecarnil may also have less problems of tolerance and withdrawal problems compared to nonselective full agonist benzodiazepine acting drugs.
Abecarnil is a relatively subtype-selective drug which produces primarily anxiolytic effects, with comparatively less sedative or muscle relaxant
properties, and does not significantly potentiate the effects of alcohol.
The abuse potential of abecarnil is thought to be less than that of benzodiazepines, with only mild withdrawal symptoms noted after abrupt discontinuation of treatment.
Anxiolytic
An anxiolytic is a drug used for the treatment of anxiety, and its related psychological and physical symptoms...
drug
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
from the β-Carboline
Beta-carboline
β-Carboline is an organic amine that is the prototype of a class of compounds known as β-carbolines.-Pharmacology:...
family. It is one of a relatively recently developed class of medicines known as the nonbenzodiazepine
Nonbenzodiazepine
The nonbenzodiazepines, also called benzodiazepine-like drugs, are a class of psychoactive drugs pharmacologically resembling the benzodiazepines, with similar benefits, side effects and risks, despite having dissimilar or entirely different chemical structures.-Classes:There are currently three...
s, which have similar effects to the older benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine
A benzodiazepine is a psychoactive drug whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring...
group, but with quite different chemical structure
Chemical structure
A chemical structure includes molecular geometry, electronic structure and crystal structure of molecules. Molecular geometry refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule and the chemical bonds that hold the atoms together. Molecular geometry can range from the very simple, such as...
s. It is a partial agonist
Partial agonist
Partial agonists bind and activate a given receptor, but have only partial efficacy at the receptor relative to a full agonist...
acting selectively
Binding selectivity
Binding selectivity refers to the differing affinities with which different ligands bind to a substrate forming a complex. A selectivity coefficient is the equilibrium constant for the reaction of displacement by one ligand of another ligand in a complex with the substrate...
at the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor.
Abecarnil was originally developed as an anti-anxiety drug, but has not as yet been commercially developed for use in humans, instead so far mainly being used for research into the development of other new sedative
Sedative
A sedative or tranquilizer is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement....
and anxiolytic
Anxiolytic
An anxiolytic is a drug used for the treatment of anxiety, and its related psychological and physical symptoms...
drugs. Investigations are continuing into its actions and it looks likely to be developed for use both in the treatment of anxiety, and as a less addictive substitute drug for the treatment of benzodiazepine and alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
addiction
Substance dependence
The section about substance dependence in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not use the word addiction at all. It explains:...
. Abecarnil may also have less problems of tolerance and withdrawal problems compared to nonselective full agonist benzodiazepine acting drugs.
Abecarnil is a relatively subtype-selective drug which produces primarily anxiolytic effects, with comparatively less sedative or muscle relaxant
Muscle relaxant
A muscle relaxant is a drug which affects skeletal muscle function and decreases the muscle tone. It may be used to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia. The term "muscle relaxant" is used to refer to two major therapeutic groups: neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics...
properties, and does not significantly potentiate the effects of alcohol.
The abuse potential of abecarnil is thought to be less than that of benzodiazepines, with only mild withdrawal symptoms noted after abrupt discontinuation of treatment.