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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by krybrahaha78 on March 10, 2005, at 20:42:38
are there any meds that can lower norepinephrine? My theory is that I might have too much of it in which causes my anxiety...anyone know?
Posted by zeugma on March 12, 2005, at 6:16:42
In reply to Drugs which lower Norepinephrine?, posted by krybrahaha78 on March 10, 2005, at 20:42:38
I believe clonidine and other hypertension meds lower NE levels. They also can *cause* depression, but are used for anxiety at times.
-z
Posted by Sarah T. on March 12, 2005, at 18:15:57
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine?, posted by zeugma on March 12, 2005, at 6:16:42
Zeugma, you mentioned clonidine. I notice that it is sometimes used for ADD, but I've never understood the reasoning behind that. Do you?
Posted by zeugma on March 13, 2005, at 12:46:26
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine? » zeugma, posted by Sarah T. on March 12, 2005, at 18:15:57
My understanding is that it is used for behavioral manifestations (ie. 'calming' effects) but doesn't help cognitive symptoms.
FWIW, I consider ADHD a cognitive disorder, not a 'behavioral' one, so i don't understand the reasoning either.
-z
Posted by ed_uk on March 13, 2005, at 12:59:10
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine? » zeugma, posted by Sarah T. on March 12, 2005, at 18:15:57
Hi,
>I notice that it is sometimes used for ADD, but I've never understood the reasoning behind that. Do you?
It's mainly used to 'quieten' hyperactive children, especially if they're aggressive. It's also used to treat insomnia due to stimulants.
Ed.
Posted by Sarah T. on March 15, 2005, at 1:11:03
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine? » Sarah T., posted by zeugma on March 13, 2005, at 12:46:26
Hi zeugma. I think of ADD as a cognitive disorder, too, but perhaps when the "H" is added and it becomes ADHD, it has a behavioral component as well.
Posted by Sarah T. on March 15, 2005, at 1:12:53
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine? » Sarah T., posted by ed_uk on March 13, 2005, at 12:59:10
Hi ed. Have you ever taken clonidine? If so, do you think it was helpful?
Posted by ed_uk on March 15, 2005, at 8:10:04
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine? » ed_uk, posted by Sarah T. on March 15, 2005, at 1:12:53
Hi!
>Have you ever taken clonidine?
No, I've never tried it. It's prescribed a lot here, mainly very low doses for menopausal flushing (Dixarit). High doses (Catapress) are rarely used.
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by Sarah T. on March 17, 2005, at 22:20:18
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine? » Sarah T., posted by ed_uk on March 15, 2005, at 8:10:04
Hi ed. Thanks for the information. That's interesting. I wonder whether it sort of counteracts some of the effects of the other ADD medications?
Posted by ed_uk on March 19, 2005, at 12:17:47
In reply to Re: Drugs which lower Norepinephrine? » ed_uk, posted by Sarah T. on March 17, 2005, at 22:20:18
Hello,
>I wonder whether it sort of counteracts some of the effects of the other ADD medications?
Perhaps, guanfacine might be better.
This may be of interest....
Guanfacine, but not clonidine, improves planning and working memory performance in humans.
The present study compares, using a double-blind, placebo controlled design the effects of two alpha 2-agonists, clonidine (0.5, 2, and 5 micrograms/kg) and guanfacine (7 and 29 micrograms/kg) on spatial working memory, planning and attentional set-shifting, functions thought to be dependent on the "central executive" of the prefrontal cortex. Blood pressure and the subjective feeling of sedation were affected equally by clonidine and guanfacine. The 0.5 microgram/kg and 5 micrograms/kg doses of clonidine disrupted spatial working memory, but the medium dose had no effect. The 0.5 and 2 micrograms/kg doses of clonidine increased impulsive responding in the planning test. The 5 micrograms/kg dose of clonidine slowed responding at effortful levels of planning and attentional set-shifting tests. The 29 micrograms/kg dose of guanfacine improved spatial working memory and planning. Guanfacine had no effect on attentional set-shifting. These data indicate that guanfacine improved planning and spatial working memory, but clonidine dose-dependently disrupted performance. It is possible that the greater selectivity of guanfacine for alpha 2A-adrenoceptor subtype may underlie its differences from clonidine.
/Ed
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