The effects of drugs on barbiturate withdrawal convulsions in the rat

Abstract

The effects of drugs on barbitone withdrawal convulsions in rats have been examined. Morphine and mebanazine had no effect on audiogenically induced barbiturate withdrawal seizures. Alcohol, although suppressing the seizures, did not maintain drug dependence. Chlorpromazine prolonged the recovery period after the induction of the convulsions. Meprobamate, chlordiazepoxide and primidone substituted for the barbiturate and maintained drug dependence. 5-Hydroxytryptamine, when administered intraventricularly, tryptophan, α-methyl-p-tyrosine and ethosuximide reduced the severity of the withdrawal seizures. Reserpine and p-chlorophenylalanine greatly increased the severity of the seizures. Anxiolytic sedatives substituted for barbitone in dependent animals, other drugs studied affected barbiturate withdrawal convulsions in a way similar to other convulsive processes.