Posted by JahL on August 23, 2006, at 20:37:02
In reply to Are antipsychotics good for depression???, posted by Frequent Fryer on August 23, 2006, at 19:31:52
> Dont they inhibit SE,NA & DA.
> Yow want those
>
> And Sseretonin while REM sleep could be importantHi FF.
I think the jury is out somewhat on this subject, but there is some evidence that some APs can be of some use in depression.
Here in the UK Sulpiride, a D2/D3-specific old-style AP, is often prescribed for depression *at low doses* - where it exerts it effects *pre-synaptically* - by research establishments to patients who have failed on standard ADs (Prozac etc). It's not considered a particularly potent AD, but aside from the possible potentional for TD (considered to be very low in the doses used) it is remarkedly side-effect free. There is little or no risk of serotonin syndrome or hypomania precipitation. I have taken it for eight years and it has been crucial in getting my severe social phobia under control. I can't be certain, but I think it also exerts a mild AD effect also.
As Philipa points out, newer atypical APs such as Seroquel (which has recently been approved for use in Bipolar) have potential benefits, but again, these are not considered to be particularly potent. Of course Lilly markets Symbyax (Prozac/Olanzapine combination treatment) for depression.
When I first trialed Seroquel, there was a discernal AD effect, though it was rather transient in nature.
On the other hand some argue that long-term AP usage can actually *cause* chronic, if usually mild depression.
With regard to sleep, Seroquel is the single most effective agent I have ever tried. The flipside of this is that it is prone to promote grogginess during the day.
Make of that what you will.
Take care,
Jah.
poster:JahL
thread:679424
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060818/msgs/679444.html