Agomelatine possesses both melatonin receptor (MT1 and MT2) agonist and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HT2C) antagonist properties. These properties act in a complementary and perhaps synergistic manner to improve depressed states by resynchronization of circadian rhythms, enhancement of dopaminergic and adrenergic input to the frontal cortex, induction of neurogenesis, as well as through other mechanisms. Furthermore, melatonergic agonism and 5-HT2C receptor antagonism also act in harmony to favourably influence anxious symptoms, sleep and sexual function.