Posted by zeugma on August 21, 2004, at 16:43:46
In reply to Clonazepam, posted by zeugma on August 21, 2004, at 16:10:59
I am sure clonazepam's role in precipitating narcoleptic symptoms and even cataplexy has a lot to do with the fact that clonazepam is one of the most potent benzos in supressing convulsions as well as anxiety. My (primitive) understanding of epilepsy is that it is an intrusion of NREM sleep into waking, while narcolepsy presents the opposite symtomology: an intrusion of REM (including atonia) into waking. It strikes me as interesting that AED's are also potent anti-manics (at least some of them such as Depakote are), while conversely, drugs like Tofranil and Norpramin have long been mainstays of narcolepsy treatment for preventing the cataplectic attacks characteristic of that disorder. What is it about clonazepam that might make it a more powerful AED than other benzos? Does alprazolam, which appears to have antidepressant activity, also potently block seizures? I am curious because Lamictal is that only AED that I have heard that might have AD activity; any thoughts on these or related topics? Sorry for the incoherence of this post, I am drinking my half-caffeinatyed pot of coffee and trying desperately to stay awake long enough for me to get through this late-afternoon lull, without stimulating myself to the point of insomnia. I exist on a very delicate balance of stimulants and sedatives.
Thanks,z
poster:zeugma
thread:380051
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040821/msgs/380483.html