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Promethazine, scopolamine and cinnarizine: comparative time course of psychological performance effects

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Abstract

Single oral doses of promethazine (12.5 mg, 25 mg), scopolamine (0.6 mg), and cinnarizine (30 mg), were compared in a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Twelve normal volunteers undertook a battery of psychological performance tests and a feeling state questionnaire, before drug administration, and at 2-h intervals after. Promethazine and cinnarizine significantly impaired psychomotor performance, information processing and feelings of alertness. With promethazine these reductions were maximal 3–4 h post-drug, with performance returning near to baseline 8–9 h post-drug. With cinnarizine these impairments were maximal 5–6 h post-drug, and performance remained depressed 8–9 h post-drug. Scopolamine significantly reduced feelings of alertness, and memory task performance; the overall performance effects were most evident 1–4 h post-drug.

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Parrott, A.C., Wesnes, K. Promethazine, scopolamine and cinnarizine: comparative time course of psychological performance effects. Psychopharmacology 92, 513–519 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00176487

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00176487

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