Posted by AndrewB on April 1, 2001, at 16:31:01
In reply to Re: good scientific article on adrafinil/modafinil » AndrewB, posted by Maniz on March 31, 2001, at 16:34:18
Maniz,
It appears that adrafinil and modafinil are unique in their ability to act as central alpha1 agonists. Others drugs like reboxetine with perphereal actions are quite problematic due to the inherent side effects of periphereal alpha1 agonism and, in my opinion, are to be used only as last resorts.
The aritcle seems to indicate the long-term safety of adrafinil but does not rule out excitotoxcity caused by its glutaminergic activity. I should say that glutaminergic excitotoxcity may occur to a greater degree in depressives in general, or at least certain subsets. Therefore, even if not taking adrafinil, there is justification to protect oneself against excitotoxcity. That being said, glutaminergic activity and calcium channel activity is essential for cellular function and overly limiting this process is toxic also.
The one drug that I am aware of that has been proven to prevent excitotoxcity with (harmful) side effects is memantine. Basically it modulates (versus blocking) calcium entering the cell via NMDA receptor action. (the NMDA receptor is one of the receptors located on the calcium channel on the cell membrane.
It can be ordered from Geramany with a prescription.
In time I will post further information on this medicine, which I take myself.
BTW: Your positive reaction to adrafinl and aniracetam may indicate that you would experience significant cognitive improvement with cycloserine. Cycloserine is a broad based antibiotic used to treat TB. However at lower doses, 50 mg.s a day, it is a partial agonist at the glycine site of NMDA glutamate receptor. It increases cognitive performance, like aniracetam, through enhanced glutaminergic activity of hippocampal neurons. Cycloserine is apparently safe too. It will increase glutaminergic activity only to the point of the NMDA receptor's 'physiological maximum', thus, not causing excitotoxcicity. Short term studies indicate it is effective for cognitive enhancement. Dr. Goldstein, a CFIDs specialist, indicates that it is effective in long-term use. Available by prescription. Note is has a narrow dosage window of effectiveness (approx. 50mg./day) for this purpose.
AndrewB
poster:AndrewB
thread:57729
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/58319.html