Flupentixolhydrochloride in low dosages: effects on perceptual and psychomotor performance in emotionally stable and emotionally labile healthy subjects.
Effects of flupentixol on performance were evaluated in a double-blind study with 107 healthy male subjects. Experimental factors were dosage (0, 1, and 2 mg Fluanxol 0.5/day), the trait variable 'neuroticism' (high vs. low score on a questionnaire scale), and time of measurement (before and after 4 days of treatment). Drug effects were measured by means of seven paper-and-pencil tests and eight apparatus tests covering the following cognitive functions: endurance in attention, spacial orientation, flexibility and speed of closure, perceptual speed, response speed, psychomotor coordination, knowledge of traffic rules, and basic motoric tempo. Univariate and multivariate ANOVAs disclosed that flupentixol has detrimental effects on perceptual and psychomotor functions, in particular when administered in a dosage of 2 mg/day. These treatment effects did not interact with the trait variable neuroticism. Nevertheless, there were substantial differences between emotionally stable and emotionally labile subjects in both absolute performance level and change of performance over time.
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004644:Emotions; D005475:Flupenthixol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D010465:Perception / Q000187:drug effects*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D013892:Thioxanthenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D013892:Thioxanthenes; D005475:Flupenthixol