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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by chocoholic on January 30, 2009, at 22:27:19
I am taking Abilify with Concerta. The Concerta seems to greatly improve my quality of life to where I am more present and feel more alive than I have in 16 years.The Abilify seems to help with depression and stabilize my mood. According to Dr.Robert Post in his new (very good) book the Treatment of Bipolar Illness, Abilify blocks 80% of dopamine and no more than 20 % can get through.I am very confused as to why these drugs seem to have worked synergistically for me and why they are not contraindicated.Doesn't Concerta increase dopamine levels?
I am also taking Synthroid, Provigil and Lamictal.
Any explanations?
Thanks,
Mir
Posted by SLS on January 31, 2009, at 6:37:20
In reply to Abilify, Concerta and dopamine blockade, posted by chocoholic on January 30, 2009, at 22:27:19
Abilify is kind of a strange one, although there are more like it in the drug pipeline. Yes, it can accomplish 80% occupancy, yet produce significantly more than 20% stimulation. This is because Abilify is a dopamine (DA) receptor partial agonist rather than a full antagonist. Some percentage of Abilify attachments are stimulatory rather than inhibitory. It seems that when concentrations of dopamine are high, it acts like any other antipsychotic - a full antagonist. When dopamine levels are low, it acts more like a DA agonist. So, this drug can help stabilize DA synapses.
- Scott
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