Girisopam (GYKI 51189), a 2,3-benzodiazepine, is a compound with anxiolytic and antipsychotic action. It has shown these effects in several animal models. Girisopam differs from the traditional 1,4-benzodiazepines because of its selective anxiolytic action without muscle relaxant and anticonvulsive activity, and because it does not have affinity for 1,4-benzodiazepine receptors. Antidepressant activity of girisopam was also reported. The binding site of girisopam in neuronal cells in the central nervous system is located exclusively to the basal ganglia. Because the danger of tolerance and dependence is lower for 2,3-benzodiazepine than 1,4-benzodiazepines, girisopam may potentially be used in treatment of addiction and affective disorders. No clinical trials were conducted in the US.