ANTIDEPRESSIVE ACTION OF 5-(1,3-DIMETHYLBUTYL)-5-ETHYLBARBITURIC ACID

Abstract

AMOBARBITAL SODIUM AMOBARBITAL (amytal®) sodium (sodium isoamylethyl barbiturate), since the report of Lindemann,¹ in 1931, has been known to have a temporary ameliorating effect upon the symptoms of patients with depression. This drug when administered intravenously in subnarcotic doses usually produces a reaction in which the symptoms lessen in severity and the patient more closely approaches his normal. The commoner response is for the depression partially to subside, the patient feeling more comfortable, pleasant, alert, and even on occasion euphoric. Less often the depression is felt more strongly and expressed more overtly. In addition to these shifts in mood, other changes may become apparent. There may be an increase in the speed of retarded mental processes. The desire to communicate personal problems and experiences may improve. Patients who are agitated may become quiet; those who are retarded may move with greater ease. There may be a diminution of anxiety