Synthesis and psychoanaleptic properties of new compounds structurally related to diphenhydramine.

A new series of benzhydryloxyalkylpiperazines carrying a trivalent function has been synthesized and studied for its effects on the central nervous system. Most of the compounds exhibit unexpected nonamphetaminic psychoanaleptic properties. The structure-activity studies revealed the importance of the nature and the position of the substituents on the phenyl rings. However, no significant correlation between atropinic or antihistaminic effects and psychoanaleptic properties was observed.