Posted by Ritch on May 6, 2002, at 23:55:26
In reply to Thanks Mitch, a bit more here: » Ritch, posted by Janelle on May 6, 2002, at 21:33:02
> Thanks for explaining what you know about the differences between Klonopin's and Depakote's effect on GABA ... I have just one follow-up question if you don't mind:
>
> You said that Klonopin acts at the GABA receptors (like other benzos) - what does this mean - what does it *do* at the GABA receptors? Does it do what SSRI's do at their respective receptors, meaning some kind of blockade of GABA reuptake so there would be more GABA flowing in the brain?
>
> I ask because I've been on Klonopin a long time and then had that HORRIBLE reaction/deep depression when I began with Depakote, so I'm wondering if maybe I got a GABA overload since you said that Depakote tends to promote GABA synthesis (your brain makes more of it) and I'm wondering if Klonopin also does something to have more GABA floating in the brain?
>
> Thanks!Janelle,
When you have a GABA receptor-specific med like Klonopin (and other benzos) I don't think it increases the levels of GABA, it kind of "fools" the synapses/receptors into "thinking" there is plenty of it around instead (that's what I get out of that anyhow!). However, a med like Gabitril (tiagabine) does block the "reuptake" of GABA and that is a different mechanism and is similar to an SSRI blocking reuptake of serotonin. This results in extracellular GABA building up in the synapse as serotonin would build up in the synapse due to an SSRI, so that would increase GABA, but only in the synapses. Depakote, is supposed to make it chemically more "attractive" for your brain to *manufacture* GABA to begin with (from what I understand). There is an anticonvulsant called vigabatrin that blocks the abiliity of the brain to *break down* GABA, which is similiar in a way to an MAOI antidepressant "fails" to break down serotonin, norephinephrine, etc.. Ooops, I probably have created more questions than I can answer :0
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:105245
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020503/msgs/105379.html