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Pharmacopsychiatry 2004; 37(2): 81-87
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815530
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Effects of Moclobemide on Autonomic and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Volunteers

M. Siepmann1 , J. Handel1 , M. Mueck-Weymann2 , 3 , W. Kirch1
  • 1Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Technical University, Dresden, Germany
  • 2Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Technical University, Dresden, Germany
  • 3Institute of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 11.12.2002 Revised: 30.1.2003

Accepted: 6.3.2003

Publication Date:
29 March 2004 (online)

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Background: Moclobemide, a reversible and selective inhibitor of the MAO-A isoenzyme, is marketed as an antidepressant that lacks autonomic and cognitive side effects. However, only few and inconclusive quantitative data on the effects of moclobemide on autonomic and cognitive functions have been reported in the literature. Therefore, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed. Methods: Twelve healthy male volunteers (age 22-29 years) received orally 150 mg moclobemide b. i. d. and placebo for 14 days each. Heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance response (SCR) following sudden deep breath were employed as parameters for autonomic function. Quantitative EEG (qEEG) and psychometric tests served as parameters for cognitive function. Measurements were performed before the start of drug administration and repeatedly on the last treatment day. Results: Parameters of HRV and SCR were not changed by multiple dosing with moclobemide (P > 0.05). Neither cognitive functions such as flicker fusion frequency, memory, choice reaction time, and psychomotor performance nor qEEG was significantly influenced, but subjective tiredness was decreased at all time points of measurement after multiple dosing with moclobemide (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, moclobemide does not appear to influence autonomic functions or cognitive functions when given subchronically to healthy humans. In contrast, changes in subjective mood hint at a subtle activating effect.

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Dr. M. Siepmann

Consultant for Psychiatry and Clinical Pharmacology

Institute of Clinical Pharmacology

Medical Faculty, Technical University

Fiedlerstr. 27

01307 Dresden

Germany

Fax: +49-351-4584341

Email: Martin.Siepmann@mailbox.tu-dresden.de

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