Posted by scott-d-o on December 13, 2003, at 16:42:07
In reply to Re: Ritalin Boosts serotonin !?, posted by Festus on December 12, 2003, at 20:39:03
> My 8 yr. old girl takes Concerta and a half a Clonidine at lunch,then a whole one at bedtime.I thought the Clonidine helped"ease-off"the rest of the lingering Ritalin so she could fall asleep easier.Is that close to what it does?Festus
Clonidine is a alpha2 adrenergic receptor agonist. These receptors are presynaptic and act as a feedback mechanism for the release of the catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). Therefore, agonising them causes less of these neurotransmitters to be released. Since epinephrine is what causes stimulants to elevate heart rate and blood pressure by binding to beta adrenergic receptors in the heart, clonidine has the effect of lowering BP and heart rate and reducing activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This is why it is primarily used to treat hypertension.
Only you know how this translates to real-world results in your child.
scott
poster:scott-d-o
thread:288926
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031213/msgs/289438.html