Antidepressants and cognition: comparative effects of moclobemide, viloxazine and maprotiline.
The respective effects of three antidepressant drugs (moclobemide, 450 mg/j; viloxazine, 300 mg/j; maprotiline, 150 mg/j) on vigilance, attention, and memory were compared. Young depressed outpatients (n = 46) entered a double-blind, randomized, monocentre clinical trial lasting for 6 weeks. Drug actions were assessed through the regular determination of critical flicker fusion point (CFF), reaction times (SRT), and a battery to measure memory components. None of the three drugs caused deterioration in cognitive functions. On the other hand, moclobemide improved both vigilance and attention (CFF, SRT) and some crucial components of memory (general memory scores, delayed word recall, recognition of familiar faces). This effect was rapid, stable, and superior to those of viloxazine and maprotiline. It may be explained by moclobemide's selective and reversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase A, as well as by the lack of any anticholinergic action.
Allain
H
H
Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Rennes, France.
Lieury
A
A
Brunet-Bourgin
F
F
Mirabaud
C
C
Trebon
P
P
Le Coz
F
F
Gandon
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001549:Benzamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008376:Maprotiline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D020912:Moclobemide; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014745:Viloxazine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D008376:Maprotiline; D014745:Viloxazine; D020912:Moclobemide