Quantitative pharmaco-electroencephalographic differentiation between the CNS effects of bromocriptine and...

Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were carried out at two different centers using the same protocol. Eight young healthy male volunteers were recruited for each of the studies, which were both undertaken to investigate the effect of single doses of 0.6, 1.25 and 2.5 mg bromocriptine (Parlodel) in comparison with 25 and 50 mg imipramine (Tofranil) on the electroencephalogram (EEG), subjective mental and emotional states, blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma prolactin levels. Side effects were also noted. The changes in the resting EEG power spectrum after imipramine were an increase in slow wave and fast beta activity and a decrease in alpha activity. At the same time imipramine depressed subjective mental and emotional states. Bromocriptine slowed the alpha activity of the resting EEG power spectrum, depressed subjective mental and emotional states, lowered blood pressure, and reduced prolactin secretion.