Posted by Thrud on October 19, 2001, at 21:28:05
In reply to Proposed Mechanisms of Action of Lamotrigine, posted by Cam W. on October 19, 2001, at 19:08:33
> By blocking sodium ion channels, by Lamictal, stops (or at least slows) the action potential from propagating down the axon as readily. This is because when the action potential causes the sodium and calcium ion channels to open, the chloride can flow freely, but the sodium channel is blocked by the Lamictal. Thus, a hypersensitive, or overactive nerve cell (perhaps caused by hypersecretion of cortisone from the adrenals, etc., that occurs in depression).
>Without going into the detail that I did above, blocking calcium ion channels, also slow down hyperactive nerve cells, or essentially helps to normalize the electrical flow within the nerves of the brain.
>
> This normalization of an overexcited nervous system in depression (possibly partly die to the uncoupling of the HPA axis) by Lamictal is also helped to be accomplished by another of Lamictal's actions: the inhibition of glutamate release. Glutamate is the primary excitiatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and mainly causes it's excitatory action via stimulation of the NMDA receptor complex. Blocking glutamate release essntially slows excitatory neurotransmission and inihibitory transmitters (like GABA) are able to calm the nervous system more efficiently.Does it slow down nerve impulses related to intellect as well as emotion? Maybe that is why I feel "dumb" on 200 mg/day Lamictal? I am not the only poster complaining of the "cognitive dulling" effect of Lamictal, either.
Thrud
poster:Thrud
thread:81710
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81716.html