EFFECT OF LOFEPRAMINE ON 5-HT FUNCTION AND SLEEP

We studied the effect of the tricyclic antidepressant lofepramine (140 -210 mg daily for 16 days) on 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor sensitivity in healthy volunteers, using a buspirone neuroendocrine c hallenge paradigm (30 mg orally). We also studied the effect of lofepr amine on platelet 5-HT content and sleep architecture. Lofepramine tre atment did not alter the hypothermic, endocrine or amnesic effects of buspirone but significantly lowered platelet 5-HT content and decrease d rapid eye movement sleep. Our findings suggest that at clinically us ed doses, lofepramine inhibits the uptake of 5-HT and produces changes in sleep architecture characteristic of tricyclic antidepressants. Ho wever, lofepramine does not appear to alter the sensitivity of 5-HT1A receptors.