Posted by blueberry on January 28, 2006, at 12:57:45
In reply to seroquel not working for agitation..., posted by holymama on January 28, 2006, at 12:21:52
I wonder why not something simple and cheap that works fast, like xanax or another benzo? Agitation can often be a sign of too much dopamine and/or norepinephrine activity. Xanax would slow that down within minutes, while antipsychotics and zoloft (with its weak dopamine enhancing effects) might actually make it worse.
The zoloft might work, but not likely until after several weeks. And it might actually make things worse in the meantime.
Seroquel and all the antipsychotics are complicated. They block some dopamine receptors partially, but they also increase dopamine release and levels. Increased release and levels of dopamine could be a contributing factor to the agitation. Seroquel also has alpha-2 antagonistic action, which means it causes the release of norepinephrine, possibly further increasing agitation. The receptor blocking action might not be strong enough to counter these things going on. But like I said, they are complicated, and these are just some rough theories that came to mind.
In any case, I wonder why a benzo wasn't used for immediate results while other meds were tried for longer term results? Or even a benzo for longterm.
poster:blueberry
thread:603737
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060122/msgs/603744.html