Combinations of selected CNS depressants with d-amphetamine or mazindol on food intake and motor activity of rats

Amobarbital, diazepam, prochlorperazine and thioridazine were tested alone and in combination with d-amphetamine or mazindol on food consumption and spontaneous motor activity in rats. Of the four depressants tested (1) only amobarbital enhanced the anorexic effects of d-amphetamine and (2) amobarbital, diazepam and prochlorperazine enhanced the hypermotility induced by d-amphetamine. None of the depressants altered the anorexic effect of mazindol but amobarbital and diazepam decreased and prochlorperazine increased the hypermotility induced by mazindol. These differential effects of the CNS depressants suggest that d-amphetamine and mazindol might have different mechanisms of anorexiant or stimulatory action. The data also suggest that, to achieve anorexia with diminished CNS stimulation, combinations of d-amphetamine and any of the tested CNS depressants seem to be precluded. In fact, this desired clinical objective might be achieved with combinations of mazindol and either amobarbital or diazepam.