Posted by Cam W. on August 30, 2001, at 16:26:42
In reply to Cam et al...., posted by Duda on August 30, 2001, at 16:07:12
Duda - The incidence of TD with the newer atypical antipsychotics (aAps) seems to be very small. This is probably because the aAPs do not irreversibly bind to dopamine receptors like the older antipsychotics do. Thus the dopamine receptors can still bind dopamine, as well as th aAP. This is especially important in the extrapyramidal system, where the loss of dopamine binding is thought to cause EPS and TD.
This said, there have been instances of EPS and TD with all of the aAPs. The problem with determining if the aAP is the causative factor is debatable. Most of the people who get TD with the aAPs have taken traditional antipsychotics in the past, and it has been suggested that the aAPs just unmask latent TD, which could have been caused by the older medication.
Theoretically, even if one hadn't taken traditional antipsychotics, one could still get TD, depending on the concentration of dopamine receptors in the extrapyramidal system. This dopamine receptor concentration would probably be determined by genetics.
In any case, the incidence of TD from aAPs is very, very low, when compared to the older agents. One should not be lulled into a false sense of security, but TD is unlikely to occur when taking aAPs. As a legimate concern, I wouldn't worry about it on a daily basis; it is not really that much of a concern.
I hope that this is not of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:76831
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010828/msgs/76994.html