Posted by Cam W. on April 6, 2000, at 20:52:06
In reply to question regarding zyprexa, posted by Rose on April 6, 2000, at 8:46:00
> Hello, I read that tegretol reduces the affect of zyprexa, is this true?? Why is zyprexa used to treat emotional upset?? Does it boost anti-depressants in how it works?
> Thanks
> RoseRose - Tegretol induces the production of metabolizing enzymes of one of the main metabolic pathways of the liver's cytochrome P-450 system (CYP-3A3/4). This enzyme system metabolizes many drugs, from antibiotics to heart drugs to anti-AIDS drugs to psychotropics and many others. By inducing this enzyme system, Tegretol causes the system to produce more enzyme. The presence of more enzyme metabolizes (or breaks down) drug(s) that use this system faster causing a decrease in that drug(s) blood levels.
Zyprexa is metabolized by CYP-3A3/4, but is also metabolized by other cytochrome systems (CYP-2D6, CYP-1A2 and probably other lesser systems).
So, while Tegretol can cause Zyprexa to break down faster (resulting in lower blood levels of Zyprexa) the metabolism by other cytochrome enzymes probably buffers this effect.
Therefore, theoretically Tegretol can decrease Zyprexa blood levels (and hence effects); but the amount it does so would be determined by your body's (liver's) concentrations of these different enzymes.
Now, to answer your first question, will Tegretol reduce the effect of Zyprexa? Maybe. The extent would be determined by your body chemistry and the dose of Tegretol.
To answer your second question, Zyprexa acts as a mood stabilizer and this treats emotional upset.
To answer your third question, Zyprexa probably augments the effects of antidepressants through it's mood stabilizing effects. (To further confuse you, some antidepressants - eg Serzone, Luvox, and Paxil- 'may' increase blood levels of Zyprexa)
I hope this is not too confusing - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:29062
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/29130.html