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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by corn on June 13, 2007, at 12:50:40
for anxiolysis?
Posted by psychobot5000 on June 14, 2007, at 15:54:26
In reply to How do Remeron and Tenex compare to benzos..., posted by corn on June 13, 2007, at 12:50:40
Remeron definitely does have an anxiolytic effect. Different from the benzos in that it doesn't work immediately; it took about three days for me, and maybe a little longer for most people, like a week or two. It's also a different feel than benzos: benzos can lower some people's inhibitons almost immediately, you know, so that you're not afraid or anxious about things you normally might be. Remeron's not really like that - it's a different sort of anxiolysis, like a pleasant feeling overlayed over the anxieties. It is generally a bit sedating, though, and I believe it's considered less powerful than a high dose benzodiazepine, though for me, medium dose Remeron was still fairly powerful.
Remeron's a little hard to describe, I think, because it has several different mechanisms. The anxiolysis is believed to come primarily from 5ht2 blocking, from what I've heard and read, particularly 5ht2a receptors. I was also told that that's where its primary mood-elevating effects probably come from in many or most individuals. But its also, unfortunately, fairly sedating, partly from the same 5ht2 blocking effects (some 5ht2a blockers are being investigate for sleep disorders), but also from its antihistamine effects (H1 blocking, just like benadryl). The sedation does tend to go away mostly, over a week or two--just warning you that there's a sedating effect mixed up in it.
The other major effect that I'm aware of is the alpha-2-antagonism, which, as you're probably aware, is pretty close to the opposite of Tenex's effect. I find that, especially as the dose is raised (the high end of the dose spectrum--45mg or 60mg a day, is--they say--where the alpha 2 antagonism is most active, whereas the other effects are, supposed to be maxed out at a lower dos--15 or 30mg), it made me more wired, tense, and high strung, in a way that was not helpful for anxiety. Because of that, it's maximum anxiolytic effect was at lower doses, and I believe the negative to have been due to the alpha-2-blocking effect kicking in more strongly.Largely because of that, it does seem likely to me that Tenex, acting in an opposite manner on alpha-2 receptors, might be helpful for anxiety. But I haven't actually taken it, myself, so I couldn't say.
Hope this was helpful--it's just my experience, of course. If I can clear up any details, feel free to let me know.
Best,
'Psychbot'
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