Posted by Cam W. on February 21, 2002, at 8:20:08
In reply to bad histamine feedback my culprit? Check this out., posted by JohnX2 on February 20, 2002, at 21:14:54
John - You have to be careful when reducing neurotransmitter systems and look at them separately from each other (as well as their roles in different systems). If you look at a basic 3D antihistamine molecule, it contains the basic structure of many antidepressants (seen easiest with some of the TCAs) and antipsychotics (both typical and atypical, if memory serves me). You may be getting some effect from chlorpheniramine (H2 antagonist).
Over the years, I have read a few reports of high dose famotidine (Pepcid™ - H1 antagonist) being somewhat effective for the symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenia. I have talked to a couple of psychiatrists who have tried it in patients (approx. 80mg to 120mg per day), but without success.
I had asked researchers who were touting H1 antagonists (eg. nizatidine, cimetidine) as potential inhibitors of weight gain in those who were using olanzapine (Zyprexa™) if the effects of H1 antagonists in this regard was related to any antipsychotic activity. The answers I got were, "I doubt it", to "The H1 antagonists don't work in preventing weight gain".
I guess what my main point is, is that one cannot look at a single neurotransmitter system and come to any meaningly conclusions about any disorder. I have just read a paper that convincingly showed that depression may be primarily a maladjustment (dysregulation?) of the noradrenergic system. It gave several theories on how SSRIs and other ADs affect NE neurotransmission in round about ways.
- Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:94861
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020215/msgs/94905.html