[On the effect of the antidepressant viloxazin on EEG and optimization of the system driver-vehicle-road (author's...

The effects of a single dose of 100 mg 2-[(o-ethoxyphenoxy)-methyl]-morpholine hydrochloride (viloxazin) on EEG and optimizing control behaviour of drivers were investigated under double-blind conditions in 5 male subjects with many years' driving experience. The study was carried out on a special test course using a car equipped with measuring devices. The following signals were recorded: EEG and EOG, driving speed, steering torque, steering angle and angle rate, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and yaw rate. As evaluated by means of spectral analysis with a subsequent principal component analysis the EEG showed an increase of the power in alpha- and beta-frequencies indicating a drug induced decrease of EEG vigilance. In correspondence the optimization of the system driver-vehicle-road was reduced indicating an impairment of the driver's control behaviour.