Posted by Neal on July 2, 2001, at 13:36:09
This from Newsweek, June 25, 2001 issue, page 66
______________________________________The gene CYP 2D6 makes an enzyme that breaks dozens of drugs, including the SSRI's. People who's 2D6 gene has a mutation fail to make enough enzyme to dispose of the drugs and so can be harmed by standard dosees of the SSRI's.
Even more mutation and that means no enzyme at all - and a good chance of overdosing on Prozac because it is never eliminated from the body. That can cause seizures, somnolence and nausea.
"About one out of 20 people has a mutation of the 2D6 gene and therefore lacks the enzyme" says biochemist Ira Herskowitz of the University of California, San Francisco. "Those people are really getting a whopping dose".
People with 2D6 mutations can't metabolize codeine, either, which means they can't turn it into its painkilling form, morphine.
poster:Neal
thread:68734
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010701/msgs/68734.html