Synthetic neuroactive steroids.

This review discusses the topic of synthetic neuroactive steroids. A brief introduction to the mode of action of neuroactive steroids is followed by a short overview of the best-known synthetic neuroactive steroids used in clinical practice and the reasons for their withdrawal from the market. The paper examines various aspects of 6 specific synthetic neuroactive steroids which either have been approved for treatment or are currently in advanced phases of clinical trials, and lists their indications, current experience, and undesirable adverse effects. The authors conclude that the therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids is still not made full use of. It is to be hoped that this particular class of drugs will find more widespread use also in the management and treatment neurological and psychiatric disorders other than those discussed in this article.