Anxiolytic effects of vestipitant in a sub-group of healthy volunteers known to be sensitive to CO^sub 2^ challenge

The pharmacological properties of two NK1 antagonists were studied in comparison with a benzodiazepine during a 7% CO2 challenge in a population of healthy volunteers selected for a high sensitivity to the challenge. In total, 19 healthy subjects, pre-screened for their responsiveness to the 7% CO2...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford) 2014-05, Vol.28 (5), p.491
Main Authors: Poma, Stefano Zanone, Merlo-Pich, Emilio, Bettica, Paolo, Bani, Massimo, Fina, Paolo, Ziviani, Luigi, Milleri, Stefano
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
Carbon dioxide
Comparative analysis
Mental health care
Psychopharmacology
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Summary:The pharmacological properties of two NK1 antagonists were studied in comparison with a benzodiazepine during a 7% CO2 challenge in a population of healthy volunteers selected for a high sensitivity to the challenge. In total, 19 healthy subjects, pre-screened for their responsiveness to the 7% CO2 test, took part in the randomised, double-blind, cross-over, incomplete block design study. After receiving treatment or placebo, the volunteers were subjected to three 7% CO2 challenges each for a time of 20 min. The treatment consisted of the administration of the following three active drugs: a single dose of benzodiazepine alprazolam (0.75 mg) and a single dose of the NK1 antagonists vestipitant (GW597599) (15 mg) and vofopitant (GR205171) (25 mg). Anxiety during the challenge was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale-Anxiety (VAS-A) and with Panic Symptom List (PSL III-R). Respiratory parameters, heart rate and skin conductance were also recorded. Compared with placebo, vestipitant showed a significant reduction (p
ISSN:0269-8811
1461-7285