Monday, June 22, 2009

XBD173 and anxiety

Benzodiazepines have dominated the anti-anxiety treatment market since the 1960s but can cause side effects such as drowsiness, forgetfulness and clumsiness and, over the long-term, dependency. Serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have also been used to treat anxiety but can take weeks to take effect. German scientists have been experimenting with a new drug called XBD173. In a week-long study involving 70 participants they compared it to a placebo and a benzodiazepine. They found that it produced a fast, anti-anxiety response with no withdrawal symptoms after use.

You can find out more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE55H57N20090618?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&sp=true

3 comments:

Panigon said...

I'm very interested in Dr. Rogny's mention of the anti-anxiety drug valium. Is this medication from a new pharmacological class? Does Dr. Rogny know if it can be given to him per rectum?

John Gale said...

Thanks Panigon. Yes, I'm afraid one of the occupational hazards about blogging about drugs is that it does tend to attract people trying to flog various different types of medication. Although I report research into new drugs from a neutral, scientific point of view (if such a thing is possible) my personal belief is that mental illness is an existential problem best treated by sympathy and counselling.
Best Wishes,
John Gale,
Mental Health Update

Anna Levand said...

the stronger a medicine is, more side effects it has(

Geneza Pharmaceuticals