Comparative investigation of the effect of moclobemide and toloxatone on monoamine oxidase activity and psychometric performance in healthy subjects

Abstract

The effects of moclobemide and toloxatone, two reversible monoamine oxidase-A inhibitors, on biochemical parameters that reflect monoamine metabolism and on psychomotor performance parameters were investigated in a study in 12 healthy volunteers. Treatments were given double-blind in a randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over design, with 1 week wash-out between the treatments. Drugs were given thrice daily in the following doses: moclobemide 150-150-150 mg and toloxatone 400-200-400 mg. All assessments were performed on day 8 under standardized conditions. There was no difference with regard to adverse events between moclobemide and toloxatone: both drugs induced a slight decrease in both supine and standing heart rate. Judged on the basis of the area under the curve, the two MAO-inhibitors reduced the plasma levels of DHPG and HVA, with more pronounced effects for moclobemide than for toloxatone. After moclobemide MAO-A inhibition was almost constant over 24 h, whereas the effect of toloxatone was short lasting after each dose. The same differences were reflected in plasma 5-HIAA concentrations and urinary excretion of 3-methoxytyramine and normetanephine. Neither of the compounds tested had any influence on the memory, vigilance, mood, or sleeping habits of the subjects.