Evaluation of safety and side effects in the process of anti-anxiety drug development *

Abstract

SummaryAs with other drugs it is necessary to look for changes induced by anxiolytics on vital signs, laboratory parameters and adverse events. In return, in a more specific way for anxiolytics, we will look at side effects at the central nervous system level with psychological and physiological battery tests. We will also assess the safety of use of anxiolytics in certain specific conditions, such as overdose or withdrawal and in certain populations such as the elderly, neonates and children. The assessment of safety and side effects, whatever the drug type studied, must come early in the developing process of a drug (phases I, II and III).