Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effect of Tramadol as Compared to Imipramine, in Acute and Chronic Dosage in Rats

Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects of Tramadol & Imipramine

Abstract

Objective: To assess the anti-depressant and anxiolytic effect of tramadol as compared to imipramine (approved antidepressant) in acute and chronic doses in rats.
Methodology: This observational experimental animal study was carried out from December 2020 to February 2021 at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro in collaboration with Agricultural University, Tandojam. Forty- eight healthy male rats housed at Animal House Sindh, Agricultural University, Tandojam after due approval from institutional ethical review board. The 48 rats were categorized into 3 equal groups of 16 each: Group A for Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) 15ml/kg, Group B for Imipramine 15 mg/kg and Group C for Tramadol 15 mg/kg. Each group was further subdivided into two groups namely acute A1, B1, C1 and chronic A2, B2, C2 and evaluated for anti-depressant and anxiety activity using forced swim test and elevated plus maze test. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS. 22.0.
Results: Tramadol acted to significantly reduce the mean duration of immobility as compared to the control (P<0.001). Resolution of immobility due to tramadol was insignificant when compared to imipramine. Likewise, the swimming periods in the tramadol and imipramine groups were significantly longer than the control group (<0.001), but almost equal in both tramadol and imipramine groups, showcasing that tramadol has antidepressant activity at par with imipramine (p value >0.05).
Conclusion: Tramadol exhibits significant acute and chronic antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in rats when compared to imipramine and controls.