Abecarnil, a new beta-carboline, in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Abecarnil, a novel anxiolytic beta-carboline, was investigated in five four-week double-blind, European multicentre studies. Overall 451 patients with generalised anxiety disorder were randomised to abecarnil, 461 to placebo and 464 to active controls.

METHOD:

Data includes inferential statistics based on individual studies and descriptive analysis of 323 patients in open-label abecarnil long-term continuation up to 52 weeks.

RESULTS:

Abecarnil was safe, the most frequent adverse event being drowsiness. Onset of effect was at week 1. At week 4 the Hamilton Anxiety Scale score had improved by 12-13 points on average. Due to notably large and variable placebo effects abecarnil was not consistently superior to placebo. No rebound or withdrawal symptoms were observed after fast-tapered discontinuation. Safety, extent of efficacy and incidence of rebound or withdrawal did not change during long-term treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Abecarnil is safe and effective. Further research into its therapeutic potential seems warranted.

• Authors: B Aufdembrinke
• Journal: The British journal of psychiatry. Supplement (Br J Psychiatry Suppl) Issue 34 Pg. 55-63 ( 1998) ISSN: 0960-5371 [Print] England
• PMID: 9829018 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Carbolines
• abecarnil

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Anxiety Agents (therapeutic use)
• Anxiety Disorders (drug therapy)
• Carbolines (therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (etiology)
• Treatment Outcome