A serotonin receptor agonist is an

agonist An agonist is a chemical that activates a Receptor (biochemistry), receptor to produce a biological response. Receptors are Cell (biology), cellular proteins whose activation causes the cell to modify what it is currently doing. In contrast, an R ...

of one or more

serotonin receptor 5-HT receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, or serotonin receptors, are a group of G protein-coupled receptor and ligand-gated ion channels found in multiple tissues including the central and peripheral nervous systems. They mediate both ex ...

s. They activate serotonin receptors in a manner similar to that of

serotonin Serotonin (), also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter with a wide range of functions in both the central nervous system (CNS) and also peripheral tissues. It is involved in mood, cognition, reward, learning, ...

(5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), a

neurotransmitter A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a Chemical synapse, synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell. Neurotra ...

and

hormone A hormone (from the Ancient Greek, Greek participle , "setting in motion") is a class of cell signaling, signaling molecules in multicellular organisms that are sent to distant organs or tissues by complex biological processes to regulate physio ...

and the

endogenous Endogeny, in biology, refers to the property of originating or developing from within an organism, tissue, or cell. For example, ''endogenous substances'', and ''endogenous processes'' are those that originate within a living system (e.g. an ...

ligand In coordination chemistry, a ligand is an ion or molecule with a functional group that binds to a central metal atom to form a coordination complex. The bonding with the metal generally involves formal donation of one or more of the ligand's el ...

of the serotonin receptors.

Non-selective agonists

Serotonergic psychedelic Psychedelics are a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs whose primary effect is to trigger non-ordinary mental states (known as psychedelic experiences or "trips") and a perceived "expansion of consciousness". Also referred to as classic halluci ...

s such as

tryptamine Tryptamine is an indolamine metabolite of the essential amino acid tryptophan. The chemical structure is defined by an indole—a fused benzene and pyrrole ring, and a 2-aminoethyl group at the second carbon (third aromatic atom, with the firs ...

s (e.g.,

psilocybin Psilocybin, also known as 4-phosphoryloxy-''N'',''N''-dimethyltryptamine (4-PO-DMT), is a natural product, naturally occurring tryptamine alkaloid and Investigational New Drug, investigational drug found in more than List of psilocybin mushroom ...

psilocin Psilocin, also known as 4-hydroxy-''N'',''N''-dimethyltryptamine (4-HO-DMT), is a substituted tryptamine alkaloid and a serotonergic psychedelic. It is present in most psychedelic mushrooms together with its phosphorylated counterpart psilocy ...

, ,

5-MeO-DMT 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-''N'',''N''-dimethyltryptamine), also known as ''O''-methylbufotenin or mebufotenin (), is a naturally occurring psychedelic of the tryptamine family. It is found in a wide variety of plant species, and is also secreted by ...

bufotenin Bufotenin, also known as dimethylserotonin or as 5-hydroxy-''N'',''N''-dimethyltryptamine (5-HO-DMT), is a serotonergic psychedelic of the tryptamine family. It is a derivative of the psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and of the neurotransmi ...

), lysergamides (e.g., , ergine ()),

phenethylamine Phenethylamine (PEA) is an organic compound, natural monoamine alkaloid, and trace amine, which acts as a central nervous system stimulant in humans. In the brain, phenethylamine regulates monoamine neurotransmission by binding to trace ami ...

s (e.g.,

mescaline Mescaline, also known as mescalin or mezcalin, and in chemical terms 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine, is a natural product, naturally occurring psychedelic drug, psychedelic alkaloid, protoalkaloid of the substituted phenethylamine class, found ...

, 2C-B, 25I-NBOMe), and

amphetamine Amphetamine (contracted from Alpha and beta carbon, alpha-methylphenethylamine, methylphenethylamine) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, an ...

s (e.g., , ) are non-selective agonists of serotonin receptors. Their

hallucinogen Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics, entheogens, or historically as psychotomimetics, are a large and diverse class of psychoactive drugs that can produce altered states of consciousness characterized by major alterations in thought, mo ...

ic effects are specifically mediated by activation of the 5-HT_2A receptor. Drugs that increase

extracellular This glossary of biology terms is a list of definitions of fundamental terms and concepts used in biology, the study of life and of living organisms. It is intended as introductory material for novices; for more specific and technical definitions ...

serotonin levels such as

serotonin reuptake inhibitor A serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) is a type of drug which acts as a reuptake inhibitor of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) by blocking the drug action, action of the serotonin transporter (SERT). This in turn lea ...

s (e.g.,

fluoxetine Fluoxetine, sold under the brand name Prozac, among others, is an Antidepressant, antidepressant medication of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, Anxiety disorder, anx ...

venlafaxine Venlafaxine, sold under the brand name Effexor among others, is an antidepressant medication of the serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. It is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, pani ...

), serotonin releasing agents (e.g.,

fenfluramine Fenfluramine, sold under the brand name Fintepla, is a serotonergic medication used for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. It was formerly used as an appetite suppressant in the treat ...

, ), and

monoamine oxidase inhibitor Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a drug class, class of drugs that inhibit the activity of one or both monoamine oxidase enzymes: monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). They are best known as effective antidepressa ...

s (e.g.,

phenelzine Phenelzine, sold under the brand name Nardil among others, is a non-selective and irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) of the hydrazine family which is primarily used as an antidepressant and anxiolytic to treat depression and a ...

moclobemide Moclobemide, sold under the brand names Amira, Aurorix, Clobemix, Depnil and Manerix among others, is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (RIMA) drug primarily used to treat Clinical depression, depression and social anxiety. It is not ...

) are indirect non-selective serotonin receptor agonists. They are used variously as

antidepressant Antidepressants are a class of medications used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and addiction. Common side effects of antidepressants include Xerostomia, dry mouth, weight gain, dizziness, headaches, akathi ...

anxiolytic An anxiolytic (; also antipanic or anti-anxiety agent) is a medication or other intervention that reduces anxiety. This effect is in contrast to anxiogenic agents which increase anxiety. Anxiolytic medications are used for the treatment of anxie ...

s, antiobsessionals,

appetite suppressant An anorectic is a drug that reduces appetite, resulting in lower food consumption, leading to weight loss. These substances work by affecting the central nervous system or certain neurotransmitters to create a feeling of fullness or reduce the desi ...

s, and

entactogen Entactogens, also known as empathogens or connectogens, are a class of psychoactive drugs that induce the production of experiences of emotional communion, oneness, connectedness, emotional openness—that is, empathy—as particularly observe ...

5-HT₁ receptor agonists

5-HT_1A receptor agonists

Azapirone Azapirones are a class of drugs used as anxiolytics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. They are commonly used as Augmentation (psychiatry), add-ons to other antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). List of ...

s such as

buspirone Buspirone, sold under the brand name Buspar among others, is an anxiolytic, a medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT1A receptor partial ag ...

gepirone Gepirone, sold under the brand name Exxua, is a medication used for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is taken orally. Side effects of gepirone include dizziness, nausea, insomnia, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia (indigestion). Ge ...

, and tandospirone are 5-HT_1A receptor

partial agonist In pharmacology, partial agonists are drugs that bind to and activate a given Receptor (biochemistry), receptor, but have only partial Intrinsic activity, efficacy at the receptor relative to a full agonist. They may also be considered Ligand (bio ...

s marketed primarily as

s, but also as

s. The antidepressants

vilazodone Vilazodone, sold under the brand name Viibryd among others, is a medication used to treat major depressive disorder. It is classified as a serotonin modulator and is taken by mouth. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and trouble ...

and

vortioxetine Vortioxetine, sold under the brand name Trintellix (in the US) and Brintellix (in the EU) among others, is an antidepressant medication of the serotonin modulator and stimulator (SMS) class used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. ...

are 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonists.

Flibanserin Flibanserin, sold under the brand name Addyi (), is a medication approved for the treatment of pre-menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The medication attemps to improve sexual desire, increase the number of satisfyi ...

, a drug used for

female sexual dysfunction Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is a disorder characterized by a persistent or recurrent inability to attain sexual arousal or to maintain arousal until the completion of a human sexual behaviour, sexual activity. The diagnosis can also ref ...

, is a 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonist. Many

atypical antipsychotic The atypical antipsychotics (AAP), also known as second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and serotonin–dopamine antagonists (SDAs), are a group of antipsychotic drugs (antipsychotic drugs in general are also known as tranquilizers and neurol ...

s, such as

aripiprazole Aripiprazole, sold under the brand name Abilify, among others, is an atypical antipsychotic primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder; other uses include as ...

asenapine Asenapine, sold under the brand name Saphris among others, is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and acute mania associated with bipolar disorder as well as the medium to long-term management of bipolar disorder. I ...

clozapine Clozapine, sold under the brand name Clozaril among others, is a psychiatric medication and was the first atypical antipsychotic to be discovered. It is used primarily to treat people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder who have ...

lurasidone Lurasidone, sold under the brand name Latuda among others, is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar depression. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include sedation, indigestion, nausea, and inso ...

quetiapine Quetiapine ( ), sold under the brand name Seroquel among others, is an atypical antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, bipolar depression, and major depressive disorder. Despite being widely prescri ...

, and

ziprasidone Ziprasidone, sold under the brand name Geodon among others, is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It may be used by mouth and by injection into a muscle (IM). The intramuscular form may be used for ...

, are 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonists, and this action is thought to contribute to their beneficial effects on negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

5-HT_1B receptor agonists

Triptan Triptans are a family of tryptamine-based medication, drugs used as abortive medication in the treatment of migraines and cluster headaches. This drug class was first commercially introduced in the 1990s. While effective at treating individual h ...

s such as

sumatriptan Sumatriptan, sold under the brand name Imitrex among others, is a medication used to treat migraine headaches and cluster headaches. It is taken Oral administration, orally, Nasal administration, intranasally, or by Subcutaneous injection, su ...

rizatriptan Rizatriptan, sold under the brand name Maxalt among others, is a medication used for the treatment of migraine headaches. It is taken by mouth. It can also be applied on the tongue. It is a serotonin (5-HT) 1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan). ...

, and

naratriptan Naratriptan (trade names include Amerge) is a triptan drug marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and is used for the treatment of migraine headaches. It is a selective 5-HT1 receptor subtype agonist. It was patented in 1987 and approved for medical use ...

are 5-HT_1B receptor agonists that are used to abort

migraine Migraine (, ) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by episodes of moderate-to-severe headache, most often unilateral and generally associated with nausea, and light and sound sensitivity. Other characterizing symptoms may includ ...

and

cluster headache Cluster headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent severe headaches on one side of the head, typically around the eye, eye(s). There is often accompanying eye watering, nasal congestion, or swelling around the eye on the aff ...

attacks. The

ergoline Ergoline is a core structure in many alkaloids and their synthetic derivatives. Ergoline alkaloids were first characterized in ergot. Some of these are implicated in the condition of ergotism, which can take a convulsive form or a gangrenous for ...

antimigraine agent

ergotamine Ergotamine, sold under the brand name Ergomar among others, is an ergopeptine and part of the ergot family of alkaloids; it is structurally and biochemically closely related to ergoline. It is structurally similar to several neurotransmitter ...

also acts on this receptor.

Serenic A serenic, or anti-aggressive drug, is a type of drug which reduces the capacity for aggression. Examples Serotonergic agents The recreational drug MDMA ("ecstasy") and a variety of related drugs have been described as '' empathogen-entactogens ...

s such as

batoprazine Batoprazine is a drug of the phenylpiperazine class which has been described as a serenic or antiaggressive agent. It acts as a 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonist. It is closely related to eltoprazine, fluprazine, and naphthylpiperazine, of wh ...

eltoprazine Eltoprazine (developmental code name DU-28,853) is a Serotonin, serotonergic drug of the phenylpiperazine class which is described as a serenic, or anti-aggressive agent. It acts as an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B, 5-HT1B r ...

, and

fluprazine Fluprazine (developmental code name DU-27,716) is a drug of the phenylpiperazine class. It is a so-called serenic or antiaggressive agent. It is closely related to several other piperazines, including eltoprazine and batoprazine, and TFMPP, as we ...

are agonists of the 5-HT_1B receptor and other serotonin receptors, and have been found to produce antiaggressive effects in animals, but have not been marketed. Eltoprazine is under development for the treatment of

aggression Aggression is behavior aimed at opposing or attacking something or someone. Though often done with the intent to cause harm, some might channel it into creative and practical outlets. It may occur either reactively or without provocation. In h ...

and for other indications.

5-HT_1D receptor agonists

In addition to being 5-HT_1B agonists, triptans (i.e. sumatriptan, almotriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan and rizatriptan) are also agonists at the 5-HT_1D receptor, which contributes to their antimigraine effect caused by vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the brain. The same is true for ergotamine.

5-HT_1E receptor agonists

The triptan

eletriptan Eletriptan, sold under the brand name Relpax and used in the form of eletriptan hydrobromide, is a second-generation triptan medication intended for treatment of migraine headaches. It is used as an abortive medication, blocking a migraine at ...

is an agonist of the 5-HT_1E receptor.

BRL-54443 BRL-54443 is a drug which acts as a selective agonist for the 5-HT1E and 5-HT1F serotonin receptor subtypes. See also * CP-94253 * RS134-49 * RU-24969 * Sertindole * SN-22 SN-22 is a chemical compound which acts as a moderately select ...

is a selective 5-HT_1E and 5-HT_1F receptor agonist which is used in

scientific research The scientific method is an empirical method for acquiring knowledge that has been referred to while doing science since at least the 17th century. Historically, it was developed through the centuries from the ancient and medieval world. The ...

5-HT_1F receptor agonists

Triptans such as eletriptan, naratriptan, and sumatriptan are agonists of the 5-HT_1F receptor.

Lasmiditan Lasmiditan, sold under the brand name Reyvow, is a medication used for the acute (active but short-term) treatment of migraine with or without aura (a sensory phenomenon or visual disturbance) in adults. It is not useful for prevention. It is ...

is a selective 5-HT_1F agonist that is under development by

Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company, Trade name, doing business as Lilly, is an American multinational Medication, pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 count ...

for the treatment of migraine.

5-HT₂ receptor agonists

5-HT_2A receptor agonists

Serotonergic psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and mescaline act as 5-HT_2A receptor agonists. Their actions at this receptor are thought to be responsible for their

ic effects. Most of these drugs also act as agonists of other serotonin receptors. Not all 5-HT_2A receptor agonists are

psychoactive A psychoactive drug, psychopharmaceutical, mind-altering drug, consciousness-altering drug, psychoactive substance, or psychotropic substance is a chemical substance that alters psychological functioning by modulating central nervous system acti ...

. The

25-NB The 25-NB (25''x''-NB''x'') series, or NBOMe series, also known as the ''N''-benzylphenethylamines, is a family of serotonergic psychedelics. They are substituted phenethylamines and were derived from the 2C family. The most commonly encountere ...

(NBOMe) series is a family of phenethylamine serotonergic psychedelics that, unlike other classes of serotonergic psychedelics, act as highly selective 5-HT_2A receptor agonists. The most well-known member of the 25-NB series is 25I-NBOMe. (2''S'',6''S'')-DMBMPP is an analogue of the 25-NB compounds and is the most highly selective agonist of the 5-HT_2A receptor that has been identified to date.

O-4310 O-4310, also known as 1-isopropyl-6-fluoropsilocin, is a serotonin receptor agonist of the tryptamine family. It is the 1-isopropylated and 6- flourinated derivative of the serotonergic psychedelic psilocin. Pharmacology The drug is said to be ...

(1-isopropyl-6-fluoropsilocin) is a tryptamine derivative that is a highly selective agonist of the 5-HT_2A receptor. Selective 5-HT_2A receptor agonists like the 25-NB compounds, specifically those which can behave as full agonists at this receptor, can cause

serotonin syndrome Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a group of symptoms that may occur with the use of certain Serotonin, serotonergic medications or Recreational drug use, drugs. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and are potentially fatal. Symptoms in mild c ...

-like

adverse effect An adverse effect is an undesired harmful effect resulting from a medication or other intervention, such as surgery. An adverse effect may be termed a "side effect", when judged to be secondary to a main or therapeutic effect. The term compli ...

s such as

hyperthermia Hyperthermia, also known as overheating, is a condition in which an individual's body temperature is elevated beyond normal due to failed thermoregulation. The person's body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. When extreme te ...

hyperpyrexia Fever or pyrexia in humans is a symptom of an anti-infection defense mechanism that appears with body temperature exceeding the normal range caused by an increase in the body's temperature set point in the hypothalamus. There is no single agre ...

tachycardia Tachycardia, also called tachyarrhythmia, is a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate. In general, a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute is accepted as tachycardia in adults. Heart rates above the resting rate may be normal ...

hypertension Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a Chronic condition, long-term Disease, medical condition in which the blood pressure in the artery, arteries is persistently elevated. High blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms i ...

clonus Clonus is a set of involuntary and rhythmic muscular contractions and relaxations. Clonus is a sign of certain neurological conditions, particularly associated with upper motor neuron lesions involving descending motor pathways, and in many cas ...

seizure A seizure is a sudden, brief disruption of brain activity caused by abnormal, excessive, or synchronous neuronal firing. Depending on the regions of the brain involved, seizures can lead to changes in movement, sensation, behavior, awareness, o ...

s, agitation,

, and

hallucination A hallucination is a perception in the absence of an external stimulus that has the compelling sense of reality. They are distinguishable from several related phenomena, such as dreaming ( REM sleep), which does not involve wakefulness; pse ...

s which has ended in death on numerous occasions despite these particular drugs only being available to drug users for about 2–3 years, being widely in use mostly in the period from 2010-2012. Bans were put in place around 2012-2013 by countries where they had risen to popularity. They quickly and often accidentally lead to

overdose A drug overdose (overdose or OD) is the ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities much greater than are recommended. Retrieved on September 20, 2014.

. In contrast to the aforementioned drugs's potent, selective, and most importantly, full agonism (meaning the drug can fully activate the receptor to 100% of its activation potential, and does so even with minuscule amounts due to high potency, LSD, like the other "safe" psychedelics which are almost impossible to overdose fatally on, is a partial agonist, and this means it has a limit of how much it can activate the receptor, a limit which is basically impossible to exceed even with exponentially larger amounts of the drug. These partial agonists have proven relatively safe after having seen widespread abuse by drug users for many decades. Activation of the 5-HT_2A receptor is also implicated in serotonin syndrome caused by indirect serotonin receptor agonists like serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin releasing agents, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Antagonists of the 5-HT_2A receptor like

cyproheptadine Cyproheptadine, sold under the brand name Periactin among others, is a first-generation antihistamine, first-generation antihistamine with additional anticholinergic, antiserotonergic, and local anesthetic properties. It was patented in 1959 a ...

and

chlorpromazine Chlorpromazine (CPZ), marketed under the brand names Thorazine and Largactil among others, is an antipsychotic medication. It is primarily used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Other uses include the treatment of bipolar d ...

are able to reverse and mediate recovery from serotonin syndrome.

5-HT_2B receptor agonists

Agonists of the 5-HT_2B receptor are implicated in the development of

cardiac fibrosis Cardiac fibrosis commonly refers to the excess deposition of extracellular matrix in the cardiac muscle, but the term may also refer to an abnormal thickening of the heart valves due to inappropriate proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. Fibrotic c ...

.Hutcheson, J. D., Setola, V., Roth, B. L., & Merryman, W. D. (2011). Serotonin receptors and heart valve disease—it was meant 2B. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 132(2), 146-157.

Fenfluramine Fenfluramine, sold under the brand name Fintepla, is a serotonergic medication used for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. It was formerly used as an appetite suppressant in the treat ...

pergolide Pergolide, sold under the brand name Permax and Prascend (veterinary) among others, is an ergoline-based dopamine receptor agonist used in some countries for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is associated with reduced do ...

, and

cabergoline Cabergoline, sold under the brand name Dostinex among others, is a dopaminergic medication used in the treatment of high prolactin levels, prolactinomas, Parkinson's disease, and for other indications. It is taken by mouth. Cabergoline is an ...

have been withdrawn from some markets for this reason. Many serotonergic psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocin, have been shown to activate this receptor directly. MDMA has been reported to be both a potent direct agonist and have an indirect effect by increasing plasma serotonin levels.Zolkowska, D., Rothman, R. B., & Baumann, M. H. (2006). Amphetamine analogs increase plasma serotonin: implications for cardiac and pulmonary disease. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 318(2), 604-610.

5-HT_2C receptor agonists

Lorcaserin Lorcaserin, marketed under the brand name Belviq, was a weight-loss drug developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals. It reduces appetite by activating serotonin receptor the 5-HT2C receptor in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain which is known to ...

is an

and

anti-obesity drug Anti-obesity medication or weight loss medications are pharmacological agents that reduce or control excess body fat. These medications alter one of the fundamental processes of the human body, weight regulation, by: reducing appetite and con ...

which acts as a selective 5-HT_2C receptor agonist. ''meta''-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) is a 5-HT_2C-preferring serotonin receptor agonist that induces

anxiety Anxiety is an emotion characterised by an unpleasant state of inner wikt:turmoil, turmoil and includes feelings of dread over Anticipation, anticipated events. Anxiety is different from fear in that fear is defined as the emotional response ...

and depression and can cause

panic attack Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear and Comfort, discomfort that may include palpitations, otherwise defined as a Tachycardia, rapid, Arrhythmia, irregular Heart rate, heartbeat, Hyperhidrosis, sweating, chest pain or discomfort, s ...

s in susceptible individuals.

5-HT₃ receptor agonists

2-Methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine 2-Methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (2-methylserotonin, 2-methyl-5-HT) is a tryptamine derivative closely related to the neurotransmitter serotonin which acts as a moderately selective full agonist at the 5-HT3 receptor. See also * 5-Carboxamidotry ...

(2-methylserotonin) and

quipazine Quipazine, also known as 1-(2-quinolinyl)piperazine (2-QP), is a serotonin, serotonergic drug of the arylpiperazine family and an structural analog, analogue of 1-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine which is used in scientific research. It was first describ ...

are moderately selective agonists of the 5-HT₃ receptor that are used in scientific research. Agonists of this receptor are known to induce

nausea Nausea is a diffuse sensation of unease and discomfort, sometimes perceived as an urge to vomit. It can be a debilitating symptom if prolonged and has been described as placing discomfort on the chest, abdomen, or back of the throat. Over 30 d ...

and

vomiting Vomiting (also known as emesis, puking and throwing up) is the forceful expulsion of the contents of one's stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose. Vomiting can be the result of ailments like food poisoning, gastroenteritis, pre ...

, and are not used medically.

5-HT₄ receptor agonists

Cisapride Cisapride is a gastroprokinetic agent, a drug that increases motility in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It acts directly as a serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist and indirectly as a parasympathomimetic. Stimulation of the serotonin receptors incr ...

and

tegaserod Tegaserod is a 5-HT4 agonist manufactured by Novartis and sold under the names Zelnorm and Zelmac for the management of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. Approved by the FDA in 2002, it was subsequently removed from the market in 2007 d ...

are 5-HT₄ receptor partial agonists that were used to treat disorders of gastrointestinal motility.

Prucalopride Prucalopride, sold under brand names Resolor and Motegrity among others, is a medication acting as a selective, high affinity 5-HT4 receptor agonist which targets the impaired motility associated with chronic constipation, thus normalizing bow ...

is a highly selective 5-HT₄ receptor agonist that can be used to treat certain disorders of gastrointestinal motility. Other 5-HT₄ receptor agonists have shown potential to be

nootropic Nootropics ( or ) (colloquially brain supplements, smart drugs, cognitive enhancers, memory enhancers, or brain boosters) are chemical substances which purportedly improve cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, wakefulness, and self ...

and antidepressant drugs, but have not been marketed for such indications.

5-HT_5A receptor agonists

Valerenic acid, a constituent of

valerian root Valerian (''Valeriana officinalis'', Caprifoliaceae) is a perennial flowering plant native to Eurasia. It produces a catnip-like response in cats. Crude extracts of valerian root may have sedative and anxiolytic effects; however, the clinical ...

, has been found to act as a 5-HT_5A receptor agonist, and this action could be involved in the sleep-promoting effects of valerian.

5-HT₆ receptor agonists

No selective agonists of the 5-HT₆ receptor have been approved for medical use. Selective 5-HT₆ receptor agonists like

E-6801 E-6801 is a partial agonist of the 5-HT6 receptor. It enhanced recognition memory and reversed the memory deficits of scopolamine in an object recognition task in a rat model. The mechanism of memory enhancement is due to a combined modulation of ...

E-6837 E-6837 is an orally active, 5-HT6 agonist developed in an attempt to create an anti-obesity medication. In cell lines expressing rat 5-HT6 receptors, it acted as a partial agonist (on presumed silent receptors), while it acted as a full agonist ...

EMDT 2-Ethyl-5-methoxy-''N'',''N''-dimethyltryptamine (EMDT), also known as 2-ethyl-5-MeO-DMT, is a tryptamine derivative which is used in scientific research. It acts as a selective 5-HT6 receptor agonist, with a Ki of 16nM, and was one of the fir ...

WAY-181,187 WAY-181187 is a high affinity and selective 5-HT6 receptor full agonist. It induces robust increases in extracellular GABA levels in the frontal cortex The frontal lobe is the largest of the four major lobes of the brain in mammals, and is ...

, and

WAY-208,466 WAY-208466 is a potent and highly selective full agonist of the 5-HT6 receptor. It increases GABA levels in the cerebral cortex and tolerance does not appear to occur to this action upon chronic administration. Animal studies have shown that ...

show antidepressant,

, antiobsessional, and

effects in animals, but also impair

cognition Cognition is the "mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses". It encompasses all aspects of intellectual functions and processes such as: perception, attention, thought, ...

and

memory Memory is the faculty of the mind by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action. If past events could not be remembe ...

Non-selective agonists

5-HT₁ receptor agonists

5-HT_1A receptor agonists

5-HT_1B receptor agonists

5-HT_1D receptor agonists

5-HT_1E receptor agonists

5-HT_1F receptor agonists

5-HT₂ receptor agonists

5-HT_2A receptor agonists

5-HT_2B receptor agonists

5-HT_2C receptor agonists

5-HT₃ receptor agonists

5-HT₄ receptor agonists

5-HT_5A receptor agonists

5-HT₆ receptor agonists

5-HT₇ receptor agonists

See also

References

External links

Non-selective agonists

5-HT1 receptor agonists

5-HT1A receptor agonists

5-HT1B receptor agonists

5-HT1D receptor agonists

5-HT1E receptor agonists

5-HT1F receptor agonists

5-HT2 receptor agonists

5-HT2A receptor agonists

5-HT2B receptor agonists

5-HT2C receptor agonists

5-HT3 receptor agonists

5-HT4 receptor agonists

5-HT5A receptor agonists

5-HT6 receptor agonists

5-HT7 receptor agonists

See also

References

External links

5-HT₁ receptor agonists

5-HT_1A receptor agonists

5-HT_1B receptor agonists

5-HT_1D receptor agonists

5-HT_1E receptor agonists

5-HT_1F receptor agonists

5-HT₂ receptor agonists

5-HT_2A receptor agonists

5-HT_2B receptor agonists

5-HT_2C receptor agonists

5-HT₃ receptor agonists

5-HT₄ receptor agonists

5-HT_5A receptor agonists

5-HT₆ receptor agonists

5-HT₇ receptor agonists