Clinical pharmacological studies with LM 5008, a new antidepressant

A spectrofluorometric assay has been developed for the measurement of LM 5008, a novel antidepressant, in biological fluids. A buccal absorption study in 12 healthy subjects showed increased uptake of LM 5008 under higher pH conditions. Single dose administration of 25 mg orally to 3 volunteers showed peak levels after 2 to 3 hours. Pharmacodynamic studies in 12 volunteers comparing 25 mg LM 5008, 1 mg atropine and placebo showed that pupil diameter increased significantly after LM 5008 compared with atropine and placebo, but no other significant anticholinergic effect was demonstrated. Atropine showed a significant decrease in saliva production and in eccrine sweating and a significant increase in dryness of the mouth and in pupil diameter compared with placebo. The distance of the near point tended to increase during atropine treatment but only significantly at 6 hours. LM 5008 produced no significant change in these measurements.