A benzothiazole derivative with neuroprotective and potential anti-depressant and anxiolytic activities. While the mechanism of action of riluzole is unknown, its pharmacological activities in motor neurons include the following, some of which may be related to its effect: 1) an inhibitory effect on glutamate release, 2) inactivation of voltage-dependent sodium channels, and 3) interference with intracellular events that follow transmitter binding at excitatory amino acid receptors. In animal models, this agent has been shown to exhibit myorelaxant and sedative activities, apparently due to the blockade of glutamatergic neurotransmission. or A drug used to treat a nerve disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is also being studied in the treatment of melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Riluzole blocks the release of a substance that melanoma cells need to grow. It is a type of glutamate release inhibitor. Also called Rilutek.