Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 20:56:07
In reply to What are Calcium Channel Blockers?, posted by Robin on March 23, 2000, at 18:25:44
Robin - Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) block calcium channels =^) . (Sorry, I couldn't resist)CCBs are heart drugs (antianginal/antihypertensive agents) that are now being tried as antidepressant augmenting agents (personally I feel that they aren't much good overall) and in bipolar disorder. CCBs selectively inhibit calcium influx into cardiac (heart) muscles and vascular smooth (veins) muscle. This stabilizes the cell membrane. Bipolar disorder is thought to be a disruption in calcium influx into cells. I have not heard of them being used for anxiety, but theoretically it could work (eg stabilizing nerve cells). Sorry, I can't give you any definitive answers, but CCBs may be worth a try for anxiety. Maybe others on this board can elaborate on this. - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:27969
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/27978.html