The use of agomelatine in OCD: effects on the motivational aspects and dysregulated circadian rhythms

Abstract

Introduction: A considerable proportion of subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have shown resistance or an incomplete response to the standard first-line treatment of serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In particular, patients often continue to show disrupted circadian rhythms with related sleep disturbances and comorbidity with bipolar spectrum disorders.

Areas covered: This paper discusses the possible role of agomelatine in the treatment of motivational aspects and dysregulated circadian rhythms of OCD. In particular, the article highlights the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of agomelatine. Additionally, the article highlights its clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability and provides perspectives on its future development as a potential therapy for the treatment of OCD.

Expert opinion: Agomelatine offers the effective resynchronization of circadian rhythm with an improvement in patients’ reward mechanism, incentive motivation and general OCD symptoms. Indeed, the authors believe that agomelatine could be a valid alternative drug in treatment-resistant OCD patients, particularly those suffering with bipolar spectrum comorbidity and related sleep disturbances.

Keywords:

• agomelatine
• circadian rhythms
• motivation
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

Declaration of interest

G Perugi is a consultant for Eli Lilly and Co. and Lundbeck A/S. They have also received grant and research support from Eli Lilly and Co. Finally, G Perugi is on the speaker advisory board for Sanofi-Aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly & Co., Janssen-Cilag and Lundbeck A/S. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.