A comparison of the effects of phenelzine treatment with moclobemide treatment on cardiovascular reflexes.
The effects of treatment with phenelzine (n = 15) and moclobemide (n = 20) on heart rate variability and cardiovascular responses to standing were examined using non-invasive beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) monitoring in an open cross-sectional study. Phenelzine markedly impaired the BP response compared with moclobemide, with 83% vs 15% of patients lacking the normal initial BP overshoot (p < 0.01). BP recovery to supine levels was delayed (median time for diastolic BP 14.5 s after phenelzine vs 4.9 s after moclobemide; p < 0.002). Standing BP at 1 min and its change from supine levels were also significantly lower in the phenelzine group (delta diastolic BP 4 mmHg vs 15 mmHg; p < 0.001). Heart rate responses and variability were preserved and did not differ between treatments. These findings are consistent with impairment of sympathetic function but preservation of parasympathetic responses after phenelzine treatment.
Coupland
N J
NJ
University of Bristol Psychopharmacology Unit, UK.
Wilson
S J
SJ
Potokar
J P
JP
Bell
C E
CE
Bailey
J E
JE
Nutt
D J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001549:Benzamides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020912:Moclobemide; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010624:Phenelzine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects
D001549:Benzamides; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D010624:Phenelzine; D020912:Moclobemide