Experimental evaluation of the possible neuroleptic activity of clomipramine

Clomipramine, a new antidepressant, differs from imipramine by having chlorine in position 3 of the aromatic ring and in this respect resembles chlorpromazine. Clomipramine was therefore tested for neuroleptic activity. Clomipramine and imipramine were ineffective in inhibiting the traction response and pinna reflex in mice and in inducing catalepsy in rat. Compared to chlorpromazine they were less potent in blocking conditioned avoidance response and in decreasing spontaneous motor activity and exploratory behaviour. In contrast to chlorpromazine, clomipramine like imipramine was found to enhance methamphetamine-induced stereotyped behaviour. Thus clomipramine like imipramine possesses negligible neuroleptic activity.