An Investigation of the Effects of Lofepramine, Nomifensine, Amitriptyline and Placebo on Aspects of Memory and Psychomotor Performance Related to Car Driving

Abstract

Ten healthy, female volunteers took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of lofepramine 70 mg, lofepramine 140 mg, nomifensine 100 mg, amitriptyline 50 mg and placebo on psychomotor performance related to driving. One subject failed to complete the study for reasons unrelated to the medications. Each subject received each of the treatments in random order at weekly intervals and was then assessed for psychomotor performance, sedation and quality of sleep. Amitriptyline 50 mg served as a positive control producing results consistent with its known sedative properties. In contrast, lofepramine 70 mg and 140 mg and nomifensine 100 mg were generally free from any significant effect on psychomotor performance.