Posted by kingcolon on January 30, 2008, at 18:19:07
In reply to Salvia and kappa-opioids., posted by JahL on January 22, 2008, at 14:51:12
> Hello people. Wow it's been a long time. I hope at least some of you have made some progress in the interim.
>
> I'm hoping that one of you brainy psychopharmacologists can enlighten me a little.
>
> I have a history of excellent responses to opioids and so when I came across this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7071010.stm) article on a plant called Salvia, which apparently works its magic via kappa-opioid receptors, I was naturally very interested.
>
> I am not looking to discuss the rights and wrongs of hallucinogens (though I personally find them to be rather pleasurable), but rather, what the implications of such a mode of action might theoretically be for an opioid-responsive individual (ie me).
>
> Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
>
> Ta,
>
> Jah.
>
> I'm not a psychopharm, but I'm on buprenorphine for chronic depression with excellent response. Bupe is a kappa antagonist, which is felt to be partially responsible for antidepressant properties. Kappa hyperactivity is possibly one mechanism of the opioid withdrawal syndrome, with its dysphoric effects. I would think kappa agonists would not be what you would want if you have depression or anxiety.
poster:kingcolon
thread:808350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080114/msgs/809774.html