Mood-altering effects of biperiden in healthy volunteers.

There has been considerable evidence that, aside from various other effects, synthetic anticholinergics also possess a significant euphoriant property. A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted in an attempt to answer the following questions: Can euphoria be induced by experimental intravenous administration of biperiden in therapeutic dosages? Is the individual's psychic response to anticholinergics associated with particular personality traits? In a study with a double-blind placebo cross-over design 28 healthy volunteers were given biperiden intravenously. The evaluation of their reaction to the drug using the Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale (MRS) revealed two groups of about the same numerical size demonstrating a considerable difference in their reaction to the drug.