Subjective and physiologic effects of morphine, pentobarbital, and meprobamate

These studies extend previous observations on the effects of pentobarbital on subjective states and postrotational nystagmus in postaddict subjects. Pentobarbital (150 mg) induced a degree of liking and an elevation of the morphine-benzedrine group (MBG) scale score equivalent to 24 mg of morphine. The effects of pentobarbital and meprobamate on postrotational nystagmus were studied using electro-oculography. Both drugs increased the frequency and prolonged the duration of postrotational nystagmus in a dose-related manner. Meprobamate was about 1/15 as potent as pentobarbital in enhancing postrotational nystagmus and producing signs of sedation.