Posted by Caleb462 on April 30, 2003, at 22:50:58
In reply to lexapro and tardive dyskinesia? » Eddie Sylvano, posted by anna345 on April 30, 2003, at 20:52:35
>Information from NAMI reads (regarding TD) "It is assumed that dopamine blockades in various nerve pathways of the brain cause the unwanted effects of antipsychotic drugs, including TD. According to one hypothesis, the dopamine blockade results in the post-synaptic receptors becoming hypersensitive to the little dopamine that leaks through." My brother is currently extra-sensitive to alcohol and caffiene; after a beer or coffee, he feels paranoid and mildly delerious. Do these substances affect dopamine levels in the body?
Alcohol and caffeine both cause the brain to release dopamine.
>Keep in mind, of course, that it is highly unlikely that my bro has TD, since he only took Lexapro for 4 days. Also, does a drug like Lexapro (an SSRI) affect the brain as described above?Yes, but to a much smaller extent that anti-psychotics. SSRIs cause excess activation of seroton receptors - which leads to all kinds of side effects. Activation of 5-HT2 receptors, in particular, leads to a drop in dopamine activity.
>There is one other concern that I have. Some sources I have checked out claim that ingesting DXM (dextromethrorphan) while taking an SSRI, no matter how small the dosage, can be extremely harmful. My brother may have taken some (contained in TheraFlu, 30 mgs) just prior to starting his Lexapro treatment. Could this drug combination be causing his symptoms?Actually, I meant to ask you if he had consumed any other medication - particularly anything containing DXM. DXM is known to raise serotonin levels, so combining DXM and an SSRI can cause serotonin syndrome. However... in this case it seems unlikely, since his symptoms have continued even after he has stopped taking Lexapro. A case of serotonin syndrome usually clears up once the agents causing the syndrome are removed.
poster:Caleb462
thread:223209
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030429/msgs/223563.html