Novel benzo[b]thiophene derivatives as new potential antidepressants with rapid onset of action.

We report benzo[b]thiophene derivatives synthesized according to a dual strategy. 8j, 9c, and 9e with affinity values toward 5-HT(7)R and 5-HTT were selected to probe their antidepressant activity in vivo using the forced swimming text (FST). The results showed significant antidepressant activity after chronic treatment. 9c was effective in reducing the immobility time in FST even after acute treatment. These findings identify these compounds as a new class of antidepressants with a rapid onset of action.