The effects of desmethylimipramine on cognitive function in healthy subjects.

The cognitive effects of the specific norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor desmethylimipramine (DMI) were examined in normal subjects. Although there were no differences in performance on drug compared to placebo treatment, there was an improvement in cognition 1 week after the drug had been discontinued. On DMI, there was evidence for increased noradrenergic activity, which was uncorrelated with measures of learning and memory. An improvement in mood during drug withdrawal was uncorrelated with the cognitive enhancement. It was concluded that the discontinuation of DMI, a drug which primarily affects NE uptake, improves several measures of learning and memory. Drug effects on cognition may be most pronounced during the withdrawal period.