Abstract

Schedules of positive reinforcement were used to test the effects of meprobamate on the behavior of rats. On an FR 50 schedule, meprobamate had effects only at neurotoxic doses. On other schedules (DRL 18 LH 3, VI 1½, FI 5), meprobamate increased response rates. The effects of meprobamate were compared with effects of mephenesin, phenobarbital, chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, and d-amphetamine on the DRL 18 LH 3 and FR 50 schedules. Mephenesin, chlorpromazine, and prochlorperazine did not increase response rates on the DRL 18 LH 3 schedule. Although there were some similarities between the effects of meprobamate and the effects of phenobarbital and d-amphetamine, qualitative differences were described.