[A new generation of tranquilizing agents]

The newer anxiolytics include compounds whose the molecular structure, the mechanisms, and the pharmacological properties are heterogeneous. Nevertheless, the most of them have clinical and adverse effects like to the most known: buspirone, after the commercial shrinking for hepatic toxicity of alpidem. These anxiolytics are efficacious against generalized anxiety disorder, like the benzodiazepines. The principal interest consists in minimal adverse effects and the safety of the use. These compounds have not a sedative effect, do not induce rebound, dependence, abuse and withdrawal, do not impair the psychomotor, cognitive and memory performances. The big ratio efficacy/tolerance allows to use them in long treatments, old subjects, alcoholic and drug-addicted patients. Nevertheless to become ideal anxiolytics, these compounds must be efficacious in other anxious disorders and increase the efficacy of various psychotherapies.