Pivagabine: a novel psychoactive drug.

Pivagabine (4-[(2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropyl)amino]butanoic acid, CAS 69542-93-4, Tonerg) is a metabolically stable compound with a modulatory effect on some biochemical parameters involved in stress conditions (corticotropin releasing factor, neurosteroids). The compound, tested in several animal models, prevents stress-correlated behavioural deficits. Moreover, pivagabine has a highly significant therapeutic potential in clinical conditions characterized by manifestations of psychological distress due to an inadequate management of stressful events.