Psychophysiological measurements after oral atropine in man

Eight healthy male volunteers received double-blind and cross-over placebo or atropine (0.85 or 1.7 mg). Various physiological, psychological and psychomotor measurements were made before a single oral dose and 1, 2 and 4 hrs after it. Typical peripheral antimuscarinic effects were found after atropine, maximally at 2-4 hrs. Atropine impaired flicker recognition, reaction time, short-time, short-term memory, coordination, time anticipation and standing steadiness. The CNS-impairment was maximal at 1 hr and dose-related in most instances.