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Differing effects of the anxiolytic agents buspirone and diazepam on control of breathing
Author(s) -
Rapoport David M,
Greenberg Harly E,
Goldring Roberta M
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1038/clpt.1991.46
Subject(s) - buspirone , diazepam , anxiolytic , anesthesia , ventilation (architecture) , medicine , benzodiazepine , agonist , receptor , mechanical engineering , engineering
We compared ventilatory effects of the nonsedating anxiolytic buspirone with those of the sedating anxiolytic diazepam in nine normal men. Resting ventilatory parameters and ventilatory responses to CO 2 rebreathing and inspiratory threshold loading were measured before and after placebo, diazepam, and buspirone. Placebo had no ventilatory effects. Diazepam had no effect on resting ventilation but depressed response to CO 2 . Buspirone had no effect on resting ventilation or CO 2 response. During loading, buspirone did not alter the augmentation of mouth pressure; diazepam produced a trend toward less augmentation. Both anxiolytics altered the load compensation response for the group; in particular, an increase in ventilation during loading (seen in three of nine subjects) was suppressed by drug administration. Diazepam also markedly depressed one subject's loaded ventilation below unloaded ventilation. In summary, buspirone did not cause the depression of respiratory center chemosensitivity that was seen with diazepam and produced less depression of load compensation in normal subjects. This suggests that it may be a safer anxiolytic in patients with lung disease. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1991) 49, 394–401; doi: 10.1038/clpt.1991.46