Besipirdine (HP 749 free base) is a non-receptor-dependent cholinomimetic compound with alpha-adrenergic and cardiovascular activities.Besipirdine inhibits voltage-dependent sodium-potassium channels and inhibits biogenic amine uptake.Besipirdine reduces schedule-induced irritability and thirst and enhances cholinergic and adrenergic activity in the CNS in the rat. Besipirdine reduces schedule-induced thirst and enhances cholinergic and adrenergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system.