![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ted R on February 11, 2001, at 10:38:34
> I am familiar with the suggested mechanism on how lamictal stabilizes seizure activity, by possible inhibition of sodium channnels, and a probable modulating effect on release of glutamate and a couple other excitatory amino acids. My question is though, what is it that accounts for lamictal's AD effect? How does lamictal effect Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine. Would be interested in hearing from anybody on this area, as I started the drug a couple of weeks ago. I can't seem to locate any description of a medical hypothesis, in regards to the drug's antidepressant effect...Thanks...Ted
Posted by JohnX on February 11, 2001, at 11:10:38
In reply to Re; psychopharmacology of lamictal, posted by Ted R on February 11, 2001, at 10:38:34
> > I am familiar with the suggested mechanism on how lamictal stabilizes seizure activity, by possible inhibition of sodium channnels, and a probable modulating effect on release of glutamate and a couple other excitatory amino acids. My question is though, what is it that accounts for lamictal's AD effect? How does lamictal effect Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine. Would be interested in hearing from anybody on this area, as I started the drug a couple of weeks ago. I can't seem to locate any description of a medical hypothesis, in regards to the drug's antidepressant effect...Thanks...Ted
Ted-
I've dug every where possible to see if the
scientists have a clue as to why lamictal
has good anti-depressant effect.The only thing I could find was some
unsubstantiated data that it was a weak
reuptake inhibitor of either serotonin,norepinephrine,
or dopamine. Don't remember the details.
I don't think anybody really knows yet.
But I'm certain the medical community
is quite interested in finding out.-john
Posted by AndrewB on February 11, 2001, at 23:51:02
In reply to Re: Re; psychopharmacology of lamictal, posted by JohnX on February 11, 2001, at 11:10:38
Excess sodium channel activity due to hyperglutaminnergic action can cause desensitization of the dopamine receptors in the VTA which seemingly through interconnecting pathways negatively effects mood and motivation via the nucleus accumbuns and the medial prefrontal cortex. Lamictals' actions, in part at least, may due to its ability to inhibit hyperglutaminergic activity. Wider implications are that mood stabilizers in general are able to prevent the AD poop out and mania of bipolars by stabilizing glutaminergic activity.
AndrewB
Posted by JohnX on February 12, 2001, at 4:42:44
In reply to Re: Re; psychopharmacology of lamictal, posted by AndrewB on February 11, 2001, at 23:51:02
> Excess sodium channel activity due to hyperglutaminnergic action can cause desensitization of the dopamine receptors in the VTA which seemingly through interconnecting pathways negatively effects mood and motivation via the nucleus accumbuns and the medial prefrontal cortex. Lamictals' actions, in part at least, may due to its ability to inhibit hyperglutaminergic activity. Wider implications are that mood stabilizers in general are able to prevent the AD poop out and mania of bipolars by stabilizing glutaminergic activity.
>
> AndrewB
Any idea why Lamictal would show more of an
antidepressant effect than say Depakote, which
also blocks sodium channels and reduces the
excitation of glutamate? Of course Depakote
also does a job interfering with calcium
channels and enhancing gaba.-John
Posted by SLS on February 12, 2001, at 18:47:10
In reply to Re: Re; psychopharmacology of lamictal, posted by JohnX on February 12, 2001, at 4:42:44
> Any idea why Lamictal would show more of an
> antidepressant effect than say Depakote, which
> also blocks sodium channels and reduces the
> excitation of glutamate? Of course Depakote
> also does a job interfering with calcium
> channels and enhancing gaba.
>
> -John
My guess is that lamotrigine may possess a pro-dopaminergic property that is independent of its reduction of extracellular glutamate concentrations. It seems to help prevent MPTP-induced dopamine depletions in laboratory animals. It also has a restorative effect upon MPTP-treated mice when combined with l-dopa. It shares this property with selegiline (l-deprenyl). In addition, there are anecdotal reports that lamotrigine has produced tics (abnormal movements) and Tourette's Syndrome in a manner similar to methylphenidate or amphetamine.
- Scott
Posted by JohnX on February 15, 2001, at 4:09:48
In reply to Re: Re; psychopharmacology of lamictal, posted by SLS on February 12, 2001, at 18:47:10
> > Any idea why Lamictal would show more of an
> > antidepressant effect than say Depakote, which
> > also blocks sodium channels and reduces the
> > excitation of glutamate? Of course Depakote
> > also does a job interfering with calcium
> > channels and enhancing gaba.
> >
> > -John
>
>
> My guess is that lamotrigine may possess a pro-dopaminergic property that is independent of its reduction of extracellular glutamate concentrations. It seems to help prevent MPTP-induced dopamine depletions in laboratory animals. It also has a restorative effect upon MPTP-treated mice when combined with l-dopa. It shares this property with selegiline (l-deprenyl). In addition, there are anecdotal reports that lamotrigine has produced tics (abnormal movements) and Tourette's Syndrome in a manner similar to methylphenidate or amphetamine.
>
>
> - ScottScott,
I have developed chronic muscle tension in my
jaw and head shortly after taking SSRIs. I also
have random twitches too. I have
found that Adderall,Klonopin,and,Lamotrigine
all relieve the symptoms (taken 1 at a time).
I've read that both hyper and hypo dopaminergic
states can cause muscle spasms. Any thoughts?-John
Posted by Sulpicia on February 16, 2001, at 21:41:06
In reply to Re: Re; psychopharmacology of lamictal, posted by JohnX on February 15, 2001, at 4:09:48
> > >Hey guys -- may I barge in for a minute???
As fascinating as I find this discussion [honest, lamictal info is scarce],
would either of you be kind enough to suggest either links or research strategies
for digging up info on lamictal and cognitive side effects??I'll start with the archives here....
Any suggestions would be really helpful.Liz
Posted by JohnX on February 17, 2001, at 14:08:47
In reply to Re: Re; psychopharmacology of lamictal:SLSJohnX, posted by Sulpicia on February 16, 2001, at 21:41:06
> > > >Hey guys -- may I barge in for a minute???
> As fascinating as I find this discussion [honest, lamictal info is scarce],
> would either of you be kind enough to suggest either links or research strategies
> for digging up info on lamictal and cognitive side effects??
>
> I'll start with the archives here....
> Any suggestions would be really helpful.
>
> LizLiz,
First thing I would do is download and read the
PDR (physicians desk reference). Go to google
or whatever is your favorite search engine and
find the home page for the manufacturer.
(Glaxo...) for Lamictal. You should be able to
navigate their website and download the PDR which
lists all the information the doctor needs like
dosing, side-effects, etc.If you want to find more detailed reasearch
information I find the most useful resource online is Medscape.
You can use the MEDLINE search database to
find abstracts of published reports. You
can purchase the entire report and they
will mail it to you, but it is expensive.
If you are really interested, copy down the
abstracts that look interesting and try to
find public access at a local university
that may have the journals on file.http://psychiatry.medscape.com/Home/Topics/psychiatry/directories/dir-PSY.JournalRoom.html
You have to register to use Medscape, but
it is free. In the upper left hand corner there
is a search Medscape box. Click on the MEDLINE
option. Then you can enter your search criteria.
very useful.I wish I could make this post Follow-up box
wider. I'm using Internet Explorer v5.50.
Anyone know how to do this? I'm too lazy to figure
it out.-john
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.