Possible lack of anticholinergic effects with mianserin: a pilot study

Anticholinergic effects of mianserin, a new tetracyclic antidepressant, were studied in 5 depressed patients. Prior to and after 1 and 2 hours of the administration of 30 mg of mianserin salivary flow, pupilary response to light and palpebral fissure were measured. Analysis of data revealed a statistically significant increase in salivary flow and a statistically significant decrease in pupil diameter. There was no change in palpebral fissure size. Possible clinical implications of these findings will be discussed.