Posted by Cairo on March 2, 2007, at 20:47:02
In reply to Re: Trazodone and sleep » Cairo, posted by linkadge on December 30, 2006, at 17:56:18
> How does doxepin affect sleep cycles?
>
> LinkadgeI would still like to know if TCAs other than doxepin and amitriptyline affect stage 4 sleep as both these meds cause side effects in me. Thanks.
"In a pioneering study, Moldofsky and colleages (1975) were able to induce increased muscle stiffness and aching in normal volunteers by depriving them of delta sleep. Although the biochemical changes occurring during Stage 4 sleep remain poorly understood, a serotonergic connection does appear to be a key factor that promotes a restorative process in this stage of sleep (Moldofsky and Lue, 1980). This is perhaps why tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin and amitriptyline, which promote an increase in the serotonin levels within the brain have shown therapeutic promise in the treatment of this syndrome."
And from Drugs.com:
"The mechanism of action of Sinequan (doxepin HCl) is not definitely known. It is not a central nervous system stimulant nor a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The current hypothesis is that the clinical effects are due, at least in part, to influences on the adrenergic activity at the synapses so that deactivation of norepinephrine by reuptake into the nerve terminals is prevented. Animal studies suggest that doxepin HCl does not appreciably antagonize the antihypertensive action of guanethidine. In animal studies anticholinergic, antiserotonin and antihistamine effects on smooth muscle have been demonstrated. At higher than usual clinical doses, norepinephrine response was potentiated in animals. This effect was not demonstrated in humans.
At clinical dosages up to 150 mg per day, Sinequan can be given to man concomitantly with guanethidine and related compounds without blocking the antihypertensive effect. At dosages above 150 mg per day blocking of the antihypertensive effect of these compounds has been reported."
Cairo
poster:Cairo
thread:716561
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070302/msgs/737808.html