Posted by SLS on March 11, 2010, at 13:08:59
Iloperidone (Fanapt) acts as an antagonist at many of the usual receptors that neuroleptics are known to occupy. However, it also binds potently to NE alpha-2a/c receptors as an antagonist - a property that it shares with mirtazapine (Remeron). Perhaps iloperidone will demonstrate antidepressant properties. Iloperidone also blocks 5-HT7 receptors with moderate affinity. 5-HT7 antagonists are being looked at for the treatment of depression. It may be important, however, to note that iloperidone blocks 5-HT1a receptors. This is in contrast to aripiprazole, ziprasidone, gepirone and vilazodone - all of which are 5-HT1a agonists that display antidepressant activity.
One advantage to iloperidone is that it does not block histamine H1 receptors. This might avoid the occurrences of weight gain and diabetes. If this is true, iloperidone would be only the second atypical antipsychotic that is weight-neutral; the other drug being ziprasidone. Iloperidone does block 5-HT2c receptors, though. It will be interesting to see if weight neutrality by iloperidone is demonstrated despite this effect.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:939163
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20100223/msgs/939163.html