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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on April 21, 2009, at 0:43:10
Sorry..my spelling in the title sucks. (No spellcheck..ha!) This looks very interesting..
Not a surprise, though..
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New antidepressant drug increases 'brain's own cannabis'
Dec. 13, 2005
Researchers have discovered a new drug that raises the level of endocannabinoids the "brain's own cannabis" providing antidepressant effects. The new research, published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggests the new drug, called URB597, could represent a safer alternative to cannabis for the treatment of pain and depression, and open the door to new and improved treatments for clinical depression, a condition that affects around 20% of Canadians.In preclinical laboratory tests researchers found that URB597 increased the production of endocannabinoids by blocking their degradation, resulting in measurable antidepressant effects. "This is the first time it has been shown that a drug that increases endocannabinoids in the brain can improve your mood," says the lead investigator, Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, an MUHC and Université de Montréal researcher.
Endocannabinoids are chemicals released by the brain under certain conditions, like exercise; they stimulate specific brain receptors that can trigger feelings of well-being. The researchers, who included scientists from the University of California at Irvine, were able to measure serotonin and noradrenaline activity as a result of the increased endocannabinoids, and also conducted standard experiments to gauge the "mood" of their subjects and confirm their findings.
"The results were similar to the effect we might expect from the use of commonly prescribed antidepressants, which are effective on only around 30% of the population," explains Dr. Gobbi. "Our discovery strengthens the case for URB597 as a safer, non-addictive, non-psychotropic alternative to cannabis for the treatment of pain and depression and provides hope for the development of an alternate line of antidepressants, with a wider range of effectiveness."
Cannabis has been known for its antidepressant and pain-relief effects for many years, but the addictive nature and general health concerns of cannabis use make this drug far from ideal as a medical treatment. The active ingredient in cannabis THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) stimulates cannabinoid receptors.
Funding for this study was provided by the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec (FRSQ), the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and an MUHC fellowship.
Posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on April 21, 2009, at 12:22:14
In reply to NEW Cannabioid (as in Cannibus)drug for depression, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on April 21, 2009, at 0:43:10
I wonder if this is a safer alternative to cannabis in terms of its use inducing or unmasking schizophrenia. Many studies show that a history of cannabis use is a factor in schizophrenia...for a summary see http://www.schizophrenia.com/prevention/streetdrugs.html
I'm not one to be against drugs (some of my best friends and all that), but evidence is mounting.
Posted by Phillipa on April 21, 2009, at 12:49:28
In reply to Re: NEW Cannabioid (as in Cannibus)drug for depression, posted by Amelia_in_StPaul on April 21, 2009, at 12:22:14
I've also heard of psychosis with it's use???? Phillipa
Posted by Sigismund on April 21, 2009, at 15:33:44
In reply to NEW Cannabioid (as in Cannibus)drug for depression, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on April 21, 2009, at 0:43:10
>The new research, published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggests the new drug, called URB597, could represent a safer alternative to cannabis for the treatment of pain and depression, and open the door to new and improved treatments for clinical depression, a condition that affects around 20% of Canadians.
Oh yes. This seems to be a familiar story.
Posted by Zana on April 21, 2009, at 16:11:46
In reply to Re: NEW Cannabioid (as in Cannibus)drug for depression, posted by Sigismund on April 21, 2009, at 15:33:44
I have a friend who has smoked pot every day for 30 years. He's not depressed. He gets hyper but not super anxious. And he's got a lot to be depressed and anxious about and a family history of both. But thing is, he's unable to function in the world. Maybe it's a small price to pay.
Zana
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on April 21, 2009, at 17:25:11
In reply to Re: NEW Cannabioid (as in Cannibus)drug for depression, posted by Zana on April 21, 2009, at 16:11:46
I am considering going back to a smoke a day, as I have reacted really well to this stuff. It got me through a very terrible time in my life. It just makes me feel "warm and fuzzy" inside, and stops anxiety and anger.
Jay
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