azapirone

n. any of a class of nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytics of which the prototype is buspirone. They relieve anxiety by acting as partial agonists at the 5-HT_1A serotonin receptor (see serotonin agonist). Azapirones produce less sedation than the benzodiazepines, and they seem to lack the abuse potential of these drugs. However, their onset of action is 2 to 3 weeks, and they cannot therefore be used to manage acute or paroxysmal anxiety. Also called azapirodecanedione.

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Psychology term of the day

February 20th 2025

tickle experience

a sensation produced by impulses from adjacent skin receptors that are stimulated lightly in rapid succession. It is assumed that the receptors involved are also responsible for the sensations of itch and pain and that the method of stimulation accounts for the different sensations.