WAY 208466 dihydrochloride is a high affinity, selective SR-6 (5-HT6) receptor agonist. WAY-208466 produced both antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects. Direct infusion of WAY-208466 into the dorsal raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, basal forebrain (horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca) or laterodorsal tegmental nucleus specifically decreased REM sleep without significantly altering wakefulness or slow wave sleep.

β-phenylethylamine (2-phenylethylamine) is a small amine containing alkaloid synonymous with phenethylamine and the acronym PEA; in the human body it has a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter role and is known as a trace amine due to its low quantity relative to other bioactive amino acids. PEA was characterized as a substrate for type B monoamine oxidase. PEA functions by activating trace amine receptors (including TAAR1 and TAAR2) thereby regulating monoamine turnover. Ring-substituted phenethylamines, commonly known as 2Cs, are designer drugs that are emerging as new drugs of abuse. PEA administration may be therapeutic in selected depressed patients.

ATC-0065 is an oral antagonist of melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1. In preclinical testing ATC-0065 demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant activity.

β-phenylethylamine (2-phenylethylamine) is a small amine containing alkaloid synonymous with phenethylamine and the acronym PEA; in the human body it has a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter role and is known as a trace amine due to its low quantity relative to other bioactive amino acids. PEA was characterized as a substrate for type B monoamine oxidase. PEA functions by activating trace amine receptors (including TAAR1 and TAAR2) thereby regulating monoamine turnover. Ring-substituted phenethylamines, commonly known as 2Cs, are designer drugs that are emerging as new drugs of abuse. PEA administration may be therapeutic in selected depressed patients.

SKF83959 is a benzodiazepine derivative which acts as an agonist of D1 receptor. Activation of D1 receptors by SKF83959 fails to stimulate adenylyl cyclase and inhibits the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase induced by dopamine but stimulates phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate hydrolysis in membranes of frontal cortex. SKF83959 was identified as a specific agonist for the heteromer D1/D2 complex. SKF83959 elicit anti-parkinsonism effects in monkeys and rodents. In lower concentrations, SKF83959 inhibits serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine transporters and is an allosteric regulator of sigma 1 receptor. The compound has demonstrated activity in a preclinical model of depression.

β-phenylethylamine (2-phenylethylamine) is a small amine containing alkaloid synonymous with phenethylamine and the acronym PEA; in the human body it has a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter role and is known as a trace amine due to its low quantity relative to other bioactive amino acids. PEA was characterized as a substrate for type B monoamine oxidase. PEA functions by activating trace amine receptors (including TAAR1 and TAAR2) thereby regulating monoamine turnover. Ring-substituted phenethylamines, commonly known as 2Cs, are designer drugs that are emerging as new drugs of abuse. PEA administration may be therapeutic in selected depressed patients.

Norketamine is one of the major metabolites of Ketamine, which is routinely used as an anesthetic. Norketamine is a potent antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and is believed to contribute to the analgesic effects of ketamine. In animal models, norketamine has been noted to increase the glomerular filtration rate by remodeling the cellular cytoskeleton, and it has been identified as having possible antidepressant effects.

Racemic phenibut (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid or 4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid) is a neuropsychotropic drug that was discovered and introduced into clinical practice in Russia in the 1960s. In pharmacological tests of locomotor activity, antidepressant and pain effects, S-phenibut was inactive. In contrast, R-phenibut turned out to be two times more potent than racemic phenibut in most of the tests. Racemic phenibut and R-phenibut demonstrated an affinity for GABAB receptors, in contrast, S-phenibut was not able to bind receptors. Pharmacological activity of racemic phenibut relies on R-phenibut and this correlates to the binding affinity of enantiomers of phenibut to the GABAB receptor. Both S- and R-phenibut bind to the α2-δ subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels and exert gabapentin-like anti-nociceptive effects. In addition S-isomer was found to be a substrate of gamma-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase, however, the R-isomer is a competitive inhibitor.

BRL-44408, a potent (Ki=8.5 nM) and selective (>50-fold) α2A-adrenoceptor antagonist (KB=7.9 nM). BRL-44408 revealed antidepressant- and analgesic-like activity through selective alpha2A-adrenoceptor antagonism. Preclinical characterization of the neurochemical and behavioural profile of BRL-44408 suggests that selective antagonism of alpha2A-adrenoceptors may represent an effective treatment strategy for mood disorders and visceral pain. BRL-44408 increases hippocampal noradrenalin release following systemic administration. BRL-44408 has potential therapeutic application in the treatment of extrapyramidal side effects produced by some antipsychotic medications.

Norharman or beta-carboline (9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole) is a neuroactive alkaloid first isolated from Peganum harmala L. It is implicated in a number of human diseases including Parkinson's disease, tremor, addiction and cancer. Norharman formed endogenously but external sources have been identified (among others fried meat and fish, meat extracts, alcoholic drinks, coffee brews, tobacco smoke). It inhibits monoamine oxidase and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. In addition norharman binds with high affinity to imidazoline I2B receptors. Plasma norharman levels are elevated in chronic alcoholics and Parkinson's disease patients.