[Do piroxicam and diclofenac impair reaction performance?]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Human Performance Studies

Background:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain and inflammation.
• Understanding the central nervous system effects of NSAIDs beyond analgesia is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the performance-influencing effects of diclofenac and piroxicam.
• To compare the cognitive and psychometric impacts of these NSAIDs against a placebo.

Main Methods:

• Acute, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with 11 healthy subjects.
• Administration of diclofenac (1 mg/kg) and piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg).
• Assessment using cognitive tests (vigilance, d2-test, concentration performance, determination, flicker frequency) and a self-state questionnaire.

Main Results:

• No significant verum effects on cognitive performance were observed for diclofenac or piroxicam compared to placebo.
• Piroxicam administration led to significant positive effects on subject motivation and activation.
• Piroxicam also showed trends towards increased outgoingness, exertion, concentration, and relaxation, while diclofenac had no discernible impact.

Conclusions:

• Piroxicam may positively influence subjective states like motivation and activation, independent of cognitive performance changes.
• Diclofenac demonstrated no significant effect on performance or psychological state in this study.
• Further research is warranted to explore the nuanced central nervous system effects of NSAIDs.