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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Quintal on March 1, 2007, at 14:23:45
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Ampakines are a new class of modified benzamide compounds known to enhance attention span and alertness. Their action is theorized to be due to facilitation of transmission at cortical synapses that use glutamate as neurotransmitter. This in turn may promote plasticity at the synapse, which could translate into better cognitive performance. The ampakines take their name from the glutamatergic AMPA receptor, which they strongly interact with.
Unlike earlier stimulants (e.g. caffeine, methylphenidate (Ritalin®), the amphetamines) they do not seem to have unpleasant, long-lasting side effects such as sleeplessness. They are currently (2005) investigated as potential treatment for a range of conditions involving mental disability such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia or neurological disorders as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), among others. In a 2006 study they were shown to have an effect after they had left the body, continuing to enhance learning and memory.
Some examples include: CX-516 (Ampalex), CX546, CX614 and CX717.
Mechanism
Ampakines work by allosterically binding to particular receptors in the brain, called AMPA-type glutamate receptors. This boosts the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter, and makes it easier to encode memory and to learn. In addition, some members of the Ampakine family of drugs may also increase levels of trophic factors such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
Side effects
Few side effects have been determined, but an ampakine called farampator has side effects including headache, somnolence, nausea, and impaired episodic memory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampakines
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Posted by saturn on March 1, 2007, at 17:34:53
In reply to Ampakines, posted by Quintal on March 1, 2007, at 14:23:45
I'm really interested in the ampakines for ADHD. CX-717 is allegedly in phase II trials. I had tried to contact Cortex about a million times about clinical trials or more information, but to no avail. Still, I'm remaining cautiously optimistic.
Posted by linkadge on March 1, 2007, at 20:34:42
In reply to Re: Ampakines, posted by saturn on March 1, 2007, at 17:34:53
Don't we already have ampakines? I mean, isn't ginkgo an ampakine?
Linkadge
Posted by Quintal on March 1, 2007, at 21:03:11
In reply to Re: Ampakines, posted by linkadge on March 1, 2007, at 20:34:42
I don't know, is it? This is the first I've heard of ampakines. I found this when I was looking for info on my adrafinil, which I has just arrived today. Care to explain?
Q
This is the end of the thread.
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