Posted by Elizabeth on April 5, 2001, at 7:43:53
In reply to Re: ML Opiates and Treatment resistant Psychiatrists » Elizabeth, posted by ShelliR on March 30, 2001, at 21:00:29
> Hi Elizabeth. What is a delta antagonist? Also is buprenorphine "allowed" to be prescribed for depression? Thanks, Shelli
Hi Shelli. There are 3 different types of opioid receptors (that we know of at present, at least), named mu, kappa, and delta (there are also subtypes of these, e.g. mu-1 and mu-2, but let's not get into that). Activation of the mu receptor is responsible for most of the beneficial effects that opioids are known for. Kappa agonists (e.g., Stadol) also have some analgesic action, moreso for women than for men. The delta receptor may also have something to do with relieving pain, but it also seems to be involved in the development of tolerance. Most of the opioids currently marketed for pain are nonselective agonists at all three subtypes. There are a few exceptions, including buprenorphine (Buprenex), butorphanol (stadol), nalbuphine (Nubain), and pentazocine (Talwin).
Buprenorphine is officially labelled for pain, but it's perfectly legal for doctors to prescribe it for off-label uses including depression. (This applies in the U.S., other countries may have different rules.)
poster:Elizabeth
thread:57821
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/58764.html