Posted by Ritch on February 20, 2002, at 23:51:53
In reply to Re: Anti-depressants and dystonia/dyskenesia, posted by OldSchool on February 20, 2002, at 18:33:14
> SSRIs like Paxil should not generally cause movement disorders like dystonia. HOWEVER, it is becoming known more and more that the SSRIs have a dampening effect on dopamine which in susceptible individuals could lead to development or exacerbation of problems like you are talking about. Dystonia is more of a problem with anti-psychotics, but serotonergic antidepressants do rarely cause movement problems.
>
> Here is an article about SSRIs and induction of movement disorders:<snip>
Serotonin (5-HT)-containing raphe nuclei extend diffuse interconnections to the DA-rich substantia nigra (Dray, 1981). Neurophysiologic and electric stimulation studies demonstrated that the 5-HT released by the raphe nuclei inhibit striatal neurons, an effect which is reversed by 5-HT antagonists (Davies and Tongroach, 1978). Thus, it is plausible that inhibitors of neuronal 5-HT reuptake, by increasing the availability of 5-HT, might be expected to produce an effect similar to that of DA-blocking agents (Figure). In fact, high doses of fluoxetine (Prozac) have been shown to inhibit DA synthesis in the forebrain, hippocampus and portions of the basal ganglia, specifically the caudate-putamen (Baldessarini and Marsh, 1990). Hence, it can be expected that movement disturbances might arise from SSRI use.
Thanks a whole bunch for that article! It is truly a nightmare that SSri's help my anxiety so well, but give me ever-increasing problems with dystonia and akathisia. I can't take any AP's anyore.I find the terms "neurological insult" and "compromised nigrostriatal functioning" to be a lot closer to home than I would like. It makes me feel very concerned about the possiblity of getting old and what it would be like if I ever get there. Obviously, the question arises-should I also need to stop SSRi use for long-term health in addition to already stopping DA-antagonists as well? If I *need* SSRi's for anxiety/impulsivity problems, will I need to switch-and if I switch-what will I switch to in replacement(that has the efficacy)??
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:94409
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020215/msgs/94879.html