Fengabine Explained

Fengabine (SL-79,229) is a drug which was investigated as an antidepressant but was never marketed.^{[1] [2]} Its mechanism of action is unknown, but its antidepressant effects are reversed by GABA_A receptor antagonists like bicuculline and it has hence been labeled as GABAergic; however, it does not actually bind to GABA receptors, nor does it inhibit GABA-T.^{[1] [2]} In clinical trials, fengabine's efficacy was comparable to that of the tricyclic antidepressants, but with a more rapid onset of action and much less side effects.^{[3] [4] [5]} Notably, fengabine lacks any sedative effects.^[4]

See also

• Pivagabine
  • Tolgabide Progabide

Notes and References

1. Lloyd KG, Zivkovic B, Sanger D, Depoortere H, Bartholini G . Fengabine, a novel antidepressant GABAergic agent. I. Activity in models for antidepressant drugs and psychopharmacological profile . The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics . 241 . 1 . 245–50 . April 1987 . 3033203 .
2. Scatton B, Lloyd KG, Zivkovic B . Fengabine, a novel antidepressant GABAergic agent. II. Effect on cerebral noradrenergic, serotonergic and GABAergic transmission in the rat . The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics . 241 . 1 . 251–7 . April 1987 . 3033204 . etal.
3. Magni G, Garreau M, Orofiamma B, Palminteri R . Fengabine, a new GABAmimetic agent in the treatment of depressive disorders: an overview of six double-blind studies versus tricyclics . Neuropsychobiology . 20 . 3 . 126–31 . 1989 . 2668780 . 10.1159/000118485.
4. Nielsen NP, Cesana B, Zizolfi S, Ascalone V, Priore P, Morselli PL . Therapeutic effects of fengabine, a new GABAergic agent, in depressed outpatients: a double-blind study versus clomipramine . Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica . 82 . 5 . 366–71 . November 1990 . 2281807 . 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1990.tb01402.x. 44534975 .
5. Fairweather DB, Kerr JS, Hilton S, Hindmarch I . A placebo controlled double-blind evaluation of the pharmacodynamics of fengabine vs amitriptyline following single and multiple doses in elderly volunteers . British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology . 35 . 3 . 278–83 . March 1993 . 8471403 . 1381575 . 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1993.tb05695.x.