The central action of carbamazepine as a potential antidepressant drug.

Carbamazepine (CBZ) was studied in mice and rats with regard to its antidepressant activity. CBZ did not counteract hypothermia and ptosis induced by reserpine, hypothermia evoked by apomorphine, or sedation and hypothermia induced by clonidine. CBZ shortened the immobility time in the behavioral despair test in rats (but not in mice). It attenuated hyperactivity evoked by d-amphetamine, not affecting stereotypy induced by that drug. CBZ inhibited head twitches evoked by 5-HTP, as well as the hind limb flexor reflex of the spinal rat, having no effect on its stimulation by noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine agonists. CBZ administered repeatedly did not enhance clonidine aggressiveness or d-amphetamine locomotor hyperactivity, acting differently than many antidepressant drugs. The obtained results indicate that CBZ is not similar in its action to typical and many atypical antidepressants.