Dose‐effect study of levomepromazine on psychomotor and memory tasks in healthy volunteers

Abstract

The effects of single doses of levomepromazine (3,6 and 12mg) on psychomotor skills and memory tasks, as well as haemodynamic and pupil diameter parameters, were assessed in 12 normal volunteers. Each subject was given three of the four treatments, at a weekly interval in a double-blind crossover randomized balanced incomplete-block design.The three doses and a placebo were monitored using a battery of tests including critical flicker fusion (CFF), choice reaction time (CRT), subjective ratings and memory tasks before, 3 and 6 hours after drug intake. Supine standing blood pressure and pupil diameter were recorded at the same times.Compared to placebo, levomepromazine impaired both subjective and objective vigilance measures in a dose-related manner, with 3mg affecting only some subjective ratings, while 12mg impaired most objective and subjective vigilance evaluations with a moderate effect on memory tasks (i.e. anterograde amnesia). Pupil diameter was reduced by the three doses. In conclusion, levomepromazine at low doses induced a sedative effect the intensity and duration of which are compatible with its use as an hypnotic.

A double blind parallel group placebo controlled comparison of sedative and amnesic effects of etifoxine and lorazepam in healthy subjects

“…The subjects’ task, described in detail elsewhere [17,18] consisted of a choice reaction time procedure in which the subjects were to perform a button press with their index fingers according to the location of a visually presented response signal (LED). Stimuli were of either weak or strong intensity.…”

Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analysis of mnesic effects of lorazepam in healthy volunteers

“…A battery of tests was performed before and after lorazepam administration: choice reaction time (CRT) [ 3], immediate and delayed cued recall of a list of word pairs [ 4], immediate and delayed free recall of pictures, and recognition of pictures [ 5].…”

Daytime wakefulness following a bedtime oral dose of zolpidem 20 mg, flunitrazepam 2 mg and placebo.

“…Subjects' mean sleep time was 8.72 h (range 6.93-9.97) and sleep quality on a 10 point-scale was 8.2 (range 6.86-8.93 Psychophysiological evaluations The test battery used in the study is among the most widely used in psychopharmacology (Hindmarch, 1980). Task procedures have been previously described and proved to be sensitive to sedative compounds (Warot et al, 1988). The test battery included:…”