Afobazole [Fabomotizole]

Afobazole (Fabomotizole) is a novel anxiolytic drug that is used in Russia since 2000’s to treat generalized anxiety disorder.

Afobazole has a unique mechanism of action that differs from that of typical tranquilizer drugs. The drug does not bind to benzodiazepine receptors; it works by interacting with melatonin and sigma-1 receptors and restoring the sensitivity of GABA receptors to their endogenous ligands.

Besides having an anxiolytic effect, Afobazol does have neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties and is shown to reversibly inhibit MAO-A.

One of the most important advantages of fabomotizole over benzodiazepines is that it does not form dependence and has fewer side effects.