Abecarnil was originally developed as an anti-anxiety drug, but has not as yet been commercially developed for use in humans, instead so far mainly being used for research into the development of other new
sedative and
anxiolytic drugs. Investigations are continuing into its actions and it looks likely to be developed for use both in the treatment of anxiety,[2] and as a less addictive substitute drug for the treatment of benzodiazepine[3] and
alcohol[4]addiction. Abecarnil may also have fewer problems of
tolerance and withdrawal problems compared to nonselective
full agonist benzodiazepine acting drugs.[5]
Abecarnil is a relatively subtype-selective drug which produces primarily anxiolytic effects, with comparatively less sedative or
muscle relaxant properties,[6][7] and does not significantly potentiate the effects of alcohol.[8]
The abuse potential of abecarnil is thought to be less than that of benzodiazepines,[9] with only mild withdrawal symptoms noted after abrupt discontinuation of treatment.[10]
^Aufdembrinke B (1998). "Abecarnil, a new beta-carboline, in the treatment of anxiety disorders". The British Journal of Psychiatry. Supplement. 34 (34): 55–63.
doi:
10.1192/S0007125000293537.
PMID9829018.
S2CID24311570.
^Jung ME, Wallis CJ, Gatch MB, Lal H (June 2000). "Abecarnil and alprazolam reverse anxiety-like behaviors induced by ethanol withdrawal". Alcohol. 21 (2): 161–168.
doi:
10.1016/S0741-8329(00)00079-3.
PMID10963939.
^Löscher W, Hönack D (April 1992). "Withdrawal precipitation by benzodiazepine receptor antagonists in dogs chronically treated with diazepam or the novel anxiolytic and anticonvulsant beta-carboline abecarnil". Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology. 345 (4): 452–460.
doi:
10.1007/BF00176624.
PMID1352384.
S2CID20486955.
^Krause W, Schütt B, Duka T (May 1990). "Pharmacokinetics and acute toleration of the beta-carboline derivative abecarnil in man". Arzneimittel-Forschung. 40 (5): 529–532.
PMID1974428.