Central nervous effects of a new tricyclic antidepressant (amitriptylinoxide).

The central action of amitriptylinoxide was investigated in mice and rats using established models. The substance was found to possess antidepressant, drive-promoting properties which correspond to amitriptyline in their intensity or are superior even. In addition the pharmacodynamic spectrum of amitriptylinoxide displays a sedative component that is considered a desirable accompanying effect but is somewhat weaker than with amitriptyline. According to revealed differences in this work between the pharmacological activities of amitripytlinoxide and those of other tricyclic antidepressants, it became reasonable to undertake further studies to investigate its main and side effects.