AbstractResults from a series of standardized tests in rodents were used to describe the general neuropharmacology of vinpocetine, a putative cerebral activator. Vinpocetine was tested at doses ranging from 5 to 100 mg/kg p.o.; these doses are greater that its behaviorally active doses (i.e., 1 to 5 mg/kg p.o.). Vinpocetine did not impair rotarod performance or produce ataxia in mice. Vinpocetine antagonized electroconvulsive shock (ECS)‐induced convulsion in rats (ED50 = 28 mg/kg p.o.); however, neither ECS‐ nor pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐induced convulsions in mice were prevented by vinpocetine. The compound did not attenuate aggressive behavior in isolated mice. Vinpocetine decreased spontaneous loco‐motor activity (SLA) without affecting the rectal temperature in rats at doses greater than 25 mg/kg p.o., but the decrease was not dose‐related. Neither 10 nor 50 mg/kg p.o. of vinpocetine antagonized amphetamine‐induced stereotypy and exophthalmos in rats. In mice, vinpocetine (up to 100 mg/kg p.o.) did not antagonize reserpine‐induced catalepsy and ptosis or protect against tremorine‐induced lacrimation, tremor, salivation, or hypothermia. The lack of effect in these tests demonstrates that vinpocetine has little, if any, propensity to produce central nervous system (CNS) side effects.