Posted by SLS on May 23, 2008, at 8:13:38
In reply to Re: Sulpiride and Abilify questions..., posted by undopaminergic on May 22, 2008, at 10:09:34
> I think aripiprazole (Abilify, APZ) is regarded as a full agonist at presynaptic dopamine (DA) (auto)receptors. This reduces DA synthesis and release, and is likely to be contrary to what you're looking for.
Not necessarily. One must look at all of the properties of aripiprazole. It is a dopamine system stabilizer (DSS). During times of excess synaptic DA, it acts as a full antagonist. During times of insufficient DA, it acts as an agonist at postsynaptic receptors. Postsynaptic agonists overule presynaptic agonists because they directly stimulate postsynaptic receptors regardless of the decrease in DA synthesis and release. Aripiprazole has been known to produce psychosis, even at low dosages. This demonstrates the precedence that postsynaptic agonism has over presynaptic agonism.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/468808_2
And let us not forget the ability of aripiprazole to block 5-HT2a receptors. It seems that this property has a synergistic effect as an antidepressant. The drug also binds to the serotonin transporter facilitating reuptake inhibition.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:829749
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080418/msgs/830659.html