Physostigmine-induced epinephrine release in patients with affective disorder

Infusion of the cholinomimetic drug physostigmine led to profound increases in serum epinephrine levels and slight increases in serum norepinephrine levels among 38 patients with affective disorder and 22 control subjects. Preliminary results suggest that physostigmine may induce relatively blunted increases in serum epinephrine levels in patients with affective disorders.