Posted by Cam W. on August 8, 2001, at 8:51:37
In reply to Depakote = panic attacks??, posted by MM on August 8, 2001, at 2:46:11
MM - It's probably the Paxil that is causing the panic attacks and anxiety. These are start-up side effects of SSRIs. It may seem weird to give someone something that worsens their condition, but this only lasts a week or two, and the antipanic/antianxiety action of the Paxil will begin to kick in (2-4 weeks) .
The reason for the increase in panic attacks/anxiety as a start-up side effect of SSRIs is that they are thought to the initially increase serotonin on the serotonergic nerve cell body and at the connections between serotonergic cell bodies (somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptor stimulation). As your body gets use to the increase in serotonin (as levels of receptors alter &/or levels of other neurotransmitters change in concentration), the action on the somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors lessens and the flow of electricity between serotonergic nerve cells is improved (via serotonin release at the terminal end of the serotonergic axon, which stimulates 5-HT2 receptors on the next cell to fire and propagates - carrys on - the electrical signal). Thus, with the increase in serotonergic neuronal conduction (in certain parts of the brain - raphe nuclei to the amygdala?), the panic and anxiety are lessened. It takes 2 to 4 weeks (longer for full effect) to begin to notice the antipanic action of the Paxil.
Well, that was more than I was going to say. I hope it makes some sense to you.
Also, the Depakote isn't working at full strength yet; this usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to happen.
Hang in there, things should begin to settle fairly soon. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:74094
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/74118.html