Posted by BekkaH on January 5, 2003, at 20:59:43
In reply to Re: Straterra approval., posted by Jim Boardman on January 5, 2003, at 19:02:49
Hi. Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. Please keep us informed. I thought that your feelings of sleepiness during the first few days might have been due to stimulant withdrawal (assuming you are no longer on the stimulants) and may not be directly related to the Atomoxetine. In "ESSENTIAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY," Stephen Stahl discusses the "pseudo-anticholinergic" side effects (such as urinary retention) often caused by norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. He says, "Stimulation of the noradrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system may also cause a net reduction of parasympathetic cholinergic tone, since these systems often have reciprocal roles in peripheral organs and tissues. Thus increased norepinephrine may produce symptoms reminiscent of anticholinergic side effects. This is not due to direct blockade of muscarinic cholinergic receptors but to indirect reduction of net parasympathetic tone resulting from increased sympathetic tone." In addition, he says that these "pseudo-anticholinergic" symptoms are usually milder and not as long-lasting as true anticholinergic effects.
poster:BekkaH
thread:133458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134671.html