Randomized Double-Blind Trial of Budipine and Biperiden in Patients with Neuroleptic Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Abstract

Preclinical studies proved the piperidine-derivative, budipine to exert strongly antagonistic properties against tremorine and oxotremorine (Menge and Brand 1982). These effects were present at low dosages and cannot be explained by the mild anticholinergic potency of the compound. In addition, budipine counteracts the cataleptic effects of monoamine depletors, such as reserpine; also dopamine and norepinephrine antagonism of haloperidol or phenothiazines is reduced. Budipine does not compete with spiroperidol at the binding site (Menge and Brand 1982). Animal experiments suggest that the drug stimulates catecholaminergic neurons, leading to higher vigilance and motility of the treated animal. However, the usual autonomous side effects in the action of psychostimulants were not detected in these experiments. Budipine thus being identified as a possible antiparkinsonian agent, it seemed feasible to test the compound in patients with Parkinson’s disease and also to test its efficacy on extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) induced by neuroleptic treatment.