Effects of the contraceptive pill on sedative responses to clonidine and apomorphine in normal women.

Journal article

In normal women sedation following intravenous administration of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (1.3 micrograms/kg) was significantly greater following 3 weeks' continuous treatment with the combined contraceptive pill than at the end of the 7-day withdrawal period. In contrast, sedative responses to the dopamine agonist apomorphine (5 micrograms/kg subcutaneously) were decreased when subjects were taking the contraceptive pill. These findings are in agreement with animal experimental studies, indicating that oestrogen can alter alpha-adrenoceptor and dopamine autoreceptor sensitivity. Such interactions may be involved in the effects of female sex steroids on mood.

Authors: Chalmers, J; Fulli-Lemaire, I; Cowen, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Psychological medicine
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 363-367
• Publication date: 1985-05-01
• EISSN: 1469-8978
• ISSN: 0033-2917
• Language: English
• Keywords: Arousal; Adult; Receptors, Dopamine; Blood Pressure; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; Growth Hormone; Levonorgestrel; Humans; Female; Ethinyl Estradiol; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Clonidine; Drug Interactions; Contraceptives, Oral; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; Apomorphine; Brain; Norgestrel