Posted by Think1234 on June 10, 2006, at 18:40:46
In reply to Re: Klonopin Mechanisms? (long) » sdb, posted by Squiggles on June 10, 2006, at 17:54:51
This message is strictly about Klonopins Anxiolytic actions.
My understanding of Klonopins actions on the brain are as such.
The Knonopin is a gaba Antagonist. Gaba are brain neurotransmitters that depress brain actvity. This does not mean that Klonopin is a depressant. (It is a temporary despressant, but tolerance for its depressant action lasts only two weeks) On the contrary, Klonopin is a paradoxical stimulant.Let me explain....The amygdala (which is the fear/anxiety center of the brain among other things) has has a high concentration of gaba Neurons (neurons that produce gaba.) When Gaba in the amygdala is inhibited by other neurons from outside the amygdala. These neurons no longer exercise their depressant activity. And consequently the neurons which were inhibited by these gaba neurons are no longer inhibited. Hence Klonopin has a stimulant effect. Its full effects are not completely known.
Alcohol, despite popular understanding is also a paradoxical stimulant it excercizes its effects on the amygdala which ultimately result in increased frontal activity. Hence more talkativeness,for some artists increased creativity, etc. But its also has a depressant effect both physically and mentally- it can slow reflexes for instance.
poster:Think1234
thread:654917
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060610/msgs/655325.html