Posted by Mitch on August 18, 2001, at 10:18:11
In reply to Can someone interpret this?, posted by grapebubblegum on August 16, 2001, at 8:34:31
> This is beyond me, but I cut and pasted this, and I am interested in an interpretation from someone who speaks this language. Most specifically, does this tell you anything about how this medication (Geodon) works for anxiety and/or depression as compared to some of the more traditional medications like the various SSRIs and the benzodiazepines?
Geodon is an anti-psychotic which is primarily intended for use to control psychotic symptoms and its primary use is for psychotic manifestations resulting from schizophrenia. The primary action of anti-psychotics is to "block" or antagonize dopamine receptors to reduce symptoms of psychosis (esp. the "D2" receptor). The 2nd generation of anti-psychotics (so-called "atypical antipsychotics") have this property but in addition "block" or antagaonize serotonin (5-HT) receptors. This generally reduces adverse symptoms related to blocking the dopamine receptors (such as Parkinsonism-EPS, etc.) Also, this tends to reduce depression related to psychosis with resulting improved social functioning for psychotic patients which was first demonstrated with Clozapine.
Conventional and atypical AP's have also been used to control acute manic states. Chronic use of AP's can result in tardive dystonia or tardive dyskinesia (permanent movement disorders) and they should only be used when other treatments have failed. Low doses of conventional AP's have been used in the past to treat anxiety disorders (such as Mellaril-thioridazine). There is currently no indication for atypical AP's for use in nonpsychotic depression or anxiety disorders.
The other receptors mentioned below are also receptors which are affected by the older conventional AP's such as thorazine, i.e.>
> "Ziprasidone has a high affinity for dopamine type 2 (D2) receptors and substantially higher affinity for serotonin type 2A (5HT2A) receptors. Ziprasidone also interacts with serotonin 5HT2C, 5HT1D and 5HT1A receptors where its affinities for these sites are equal to or greater than its affinity for the D2 receptor. Ziprasidone has moderate affinity for neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. Ziprasidone demonstrates moderate affinity for histamine H(1)- and alpha(1)-receptors. Antagonism at these receptors has been associated with somnolence and orthostatic hypotension, respectively. Ziprasidone demonstrates negligible affinity for muscarinic M(1)-receptors. Antagonism at this receptor has been associated with memory impairment."
>
> Thanks, Geeb (who sometimes asks hard questions. ;o)
poster:Mitch
thread:75266
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010814/msgs/75494.html