Posted by SpaceFairy on April 9, 2004, at 3:05:27
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning??? » SpaceFairy, posted by francesco on April 8, 2004, at 14:33:53
> Ho do you know if you are unable to metabolize SSRIs ? Is it just SSRIs or any antidepressants ?
> ThanksHi!
Thanks for posting such interesting questions. I had to look in to this a bit further, and I think I have got the answer (but please consult a medical expert, as this is not my area). Basically, if you lack the P450 2D6 liver enzyme this will lead to an inability to metabolise serotongeric and tricyclic antidepressants. MAOI's are implicated with the enzyme, but the only info that I can find is surrounding the long established risk of mixing them with other drugs. New methods have been developed to detect the ability through something called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotyping. That's the science bit (just in case you wanted to look the key words up through a search engine). One link is
http://www.preskorn.com/books/ssri_s7.html?print=1Now - what it means for us! As far as I am aware, this can be done through analysis of our blood. If I'm right this could have massive implications - a simple blood test before prescribing antidepressants could predict the probability of experiencing a negative reaction. As I say, this is not really my field so I'm not 100% sure - & also, it seems so simplistic that I would imagine that it would have been in place already what with all the controversy & everything.
I'll post a couple of message around the experts & see what response I get back & let you know.
Take care,
Space Fairy
poster:SpaceFairy
thread:331128
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040407/msgs/334400.html