Acute kinetic and dynamic interactions of zimelidine with ethanol

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Abstract
Zimelidine (Z) is a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor and an effective antidepressant. The acute interaction of Z with ethanol (E) was examined in 6 healthy men aged 20 to 37yr who randomly received each of 4 treatments 1 wk apart: Z, 200 mg by mouth, preceded by 1 h and followed for 7 h of oral E in juice dosed to maintain blood alcohol concentrations between 800 and 1000 mg/l; placebo Z and E; Z and juice; and placebo Z and juice. E decreased the rate of biotransformation of Z to norzimelidine (NZ) by 46%, but the AUC [areas under the curve] of Z, NZ, and their total concentrations did not change and no aversive alcohol-sensitizing reaction was detected. E-induced impairments in memory, body sway, and a manual tracking task were further enhanced by Z, as was the E-induced decrease in friendliness. Data suggest Z and E interact kinetically and dynamically and suggest a mechanism whereby Z may decrease E intake in man.