Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board
Board-certified psychiatrists and mental health professionals
Clinical summary for Agomelatine (Valdoxan): Agomelatine is an antidepressant tablet taken at night. It works partly by helping your body’s internal clock get back on track, which can improve both mood and sleep. Because it can affect the liver, regular blood tests are needed. It is not currently available in the United States.
Patient-Friendly Explanation
This medicine is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults, especially when depression comes with poor sleep or a disrupted day–night rhythm. It is not available for prescription in the United States.Everyone responds differently, but these are common experiences people report while taking agomelatine:
Sleep and Rhythm
"I started falling asleep at a more normal time instead of being wide awake at 3 a.m."
Initial antidepressant effects may emerge within 1–2 weeks, with a fuller response typically seen over 4–6 weeks. Improvements in sleep and circadian rhythm can appear early in treatment.
Agomelatine (Valdoxan) is prescribed for major depressive disorder in adults. It is often chosen when depression is accompanied by poor sleep or a disturbed day–night rhythm, because it acts on melatonin receptors as well as mood-related pathways.
No. Agomelatine is not currently approved or marketed in the United States. It is, however, available in several other countries for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.
Agomelatine can sometimes cause liver inflammation or a rise in liver enzymes. To catch any problems early, liver function tests are required before starting the medication and at specific time points during treatment, such as weeks 3, 6, 12, and 24, or whenever clinically needed.
Agomelatine is taken once each day at bedtime. Taking it at night fits with its melatonin-like effects on your body clock and may help improve sleep at the same time as treating your mood.
Agomelatine is generally not associated with significant weight gain or sexual dysfunction. For people who have had troublesome sexual or weight-related side effects on other antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs, agomelatine may be a more comfortable alternative, if available and appropriate.
This medication information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Never take medication without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
This information is for educational purposes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.