Double-blind comparative study of the action of repeated administration of milnacipran versus placebo on cognitive functions in healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
The principal objective was to compare the effects of milnacipran, an antidepressant characterized by a dual-action on serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake, with placebo on memory, attention and psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers. The secondary objective was to evaluate the effects of milnacipran on mood, anxiety and vigilance in these subjects.


METHODS
In a double-blind crossover randomized trial, milnacipran (50 mg b.d.) or placebo was administered during two periods of 7 days separated by a washout period of 7 days. Memory tests (recall of words, images and coloured bars), tests to evaluate attention and vigilance (squares test, critical flicker fusion test and choice reaction time test) and visual analogue scales for affect and sleep were used.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences between milnacipran and placebo groups with respect to the psychomotor functions tested. No differences were observed in the Norris scales for vigilance, anxiety or satisfaction or in the sleep questionnaire (sleep latency, sleep quality and waking).


CONCLUSIONS
Milnacipran, administered at 100 mg per day for 7 days to healthy volunteers, had no effects on cognitive functions.
Poirier
M F
MF
Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Santé Mentale et de Thérapeutique, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, 1 rue Cabanis, 75014 Paris, France.
Galinowski
A
A
Amado
I
I
Longevialle
R
R
Bourdel
M C
MC
Tournoux
A
A
Serre
C
C
Loo
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D000078764:Milnacipran; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D000078764:Milnacipran