Psychopharmacological profile of dapiprazole, a new potential antipsychotic agent.

3-[2-[4-(2-Methylphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine HCl (dapiprazole is a new compound endowed with a unique psychopharmacological profile. It inhibits amphetamine toxicity in grouped mice, and alcohol and morphine withdrawal syndromes, whereas it is almost inactive in the screening models for neuroleptics relying on dopaminergic activity. It also produces sedation, blocks conditioned avoidance reflex, reduces the response to noxious stimuli, has EEG synchronizing effects and inhibits the arousal reaction. Dapiprazole is a potent central and peripheral adrenolytic agent. Its acute toxicity is low. On the basis of these data, clinical investigations of dapiprazole are suggested in psychotic conditions such as the withdrawal syndromes, schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorders.