5-HT_2C receptor agonist

5-HT_2C receptor agonists are a class of drugs that activate 5-HT_2C receptors. They have been investigated for the treatment of a number of conditions including obesity, psychiatric disorders, sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

The 5-HT_2C receptors are one of three subtypes that belong to the serotonin 5-HT₂ receptor subfamily along with 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2B receptors. The development of 5-HT_2C agonists has been a major obstacle, because of severe side effects due to a lack of selectivity over 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2B receptors. Activation of 5-HT_2A receptors can induce hallucinations, and the activation of 5-HT_2B receptors has been implicated in cardiac valvular insufficiency and possibly in pulmonary hypertension.