Suriclone is one of the most potent of all agents known to act at the benzodiazepine receptor. Its anxiolytic effects have been clearly demonstrated in rodents (Doble et al. 1992). It has also been demonstrated to be efficacious in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in humans (Ansseau et al. 1991). Animal work has shown it to have fewer side effects and less potential for interacting with alcohol than do benzodiazepines. These would represent significant advantages if they were also seen in humans. Repeated doses have failed to show tolerance and do not produce the change in “set point” of the GABAA receptor seen with the benzodiazepines. The reason for this is unclear but may be linked to a difference in the interaction of the cyclopyrrolones with the receptor compared with that of the benzodiazepines.
