Posted by Elizabeth on December 28, 2001, at 13:39:19
In reply to Gabatril and Benzo Difference Mentioned Here, posted by Cmatt on December 20, 2001, at 5:52:53
Gabitril (tiagabine) doesn't interact with benzo receptors at all. It is a GABA reuptake inhibitor (blocking the GABA transporter to increase the amount of available extracellular GABA, just as SSRIs block the serotonin transporter). Benzos (which are benzodiazepine receptor agonists) work by increasing the effectiveness of GABA at its receptor. Benzos don't directly act at the GABA receptor or increase the amount of GABA.
Another anticonvulsant, Sabril (vigabatrin), works by blocking an enzyme called GABA transaminase which is involved in the metabolism of GABA. This is analogous to the action of MAOIs on monoamines. (Nardil is also a GABA transaminase inhibitor, BTW.)
Ambien is an example of a drug that works selectively at a particular subtype of benzodiazepine receptor; it lacks many of the effects of the benzos (such as their anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects).
There are two types of GABA receptors, GABA-A and GABA-B receptors. Baclofen, a medication used for spasticity, is a selective GABA-B agonist and has little effect on anxiety.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:87498
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011222/msgs/88045.html