Effects of zimeldine and other antidepressants on skilled performance: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Existing data suggest that amitriptyline, doxepin, mianserin, viloxazine and imipramine impair the performance of skilled psychomotor tasks. The degree of impairment, as well as the degree of interaction with alcohol, is closely related to the sedative potency of the drug. the adverse effects on psychomotor skills are, however, mainly limited to the first 10 days of treatment. In contrast, nortriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, protriptyline, nomifensine and zimeldine have much less marked effects on skilled performance. Despite its being a relatively new antidepressant, the effects of zimeldine on psychomotor skills have already been extensively investigated. It has been shown to be without stimulant or sedative effects, and there does not appear to be any additive effect between zimeldine and ethanol. The lack of detrimental effects on skills related to such tasks as driving, makes zimeldine suitable for use in out-patient populations.