Posted by Brainbeard on July 14, 2009, at 15:17:13
In reply to Re: Intrusive OCD thoughts?, posted by zsmom on July 4, 2009, at 8:46:15
> They offered a trial of Zofran (brand name) or Ondansetron on the day of discharge. Can anyone tell me what they think about this and the suggested medicine? Thank you.
Ondansetron has been investigated for both schizophrenia and OCD, and besides, for anxiety, panic attacks and alcohol addiction (as an aid in withdrawing). It was effective for schizophrenia, OCD and alcohol addiction. Lower doses seem to work better for OCD, in the range of 0.5-2mg two or three times a day.
The reason that ondansetron works for these indications is probably its indirect anti-dopaminergic effect. 5HT3-receptors normally regulate the release of dopamine; when inhibited, a brake is put on any dopamine around.
The brand Zofran is ridiculously expensive. Generic ondansetron can be bought for only a fraction of the brand's price overseas.
Ondansetron's very short half-life, merely three hours, may prevent it from being a steady agent. My personal experience is that I got a dopaminergic rebound some three hours after I took a dose.
Ondansetron may be worth trying. Keep in mind that ondansetron can lengthen the QT-interval (it does so at least at doses from 4mg when given intravenously) which may pose extra cardiac risk.
References at request.. ;)
I do not understand, by the way, why your son would still be on clozapine (Clorazil) when he's obsessive-compulsive rather than psychotic. Or did I get that wrong?
poster:Brainbeard
thread:903596
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090709/msgs/906752.html