![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michael Bell on May 8, 2008, at 23:24:29
High-field MRS study of GABA, glutamate and glutamine in social anxiety disorder: response to treatment with levetiracetam.
Pollack MH, Jensen JE, Simon NM, Kaufman RE, Renshaw PF.Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States. mpollack@partners.org
OBJECTIVE: Abnormalities in brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate may be relevant to the underlying pathophysiology of anxiety disorders including social anxiety disorder (SAD). METHODS: We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (pMRS) to examine whole brain and regional GABA, glutamate and glutamine in patients (N=10) with SAD at baseline compared to a matched group of healthy controls (HC), and changes following 8 weeks of pharmacotherapy with levetiracetam. RESULTS: For SAD subjects, there were significantly higher whole brain levels of glutamate and glutamine, though no significant differences in GABA. In the thalamus, glutamine was higher and GABA lower for SAD subjects. There was a significant reduction in thalamic glutamine with levetiracetam treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide preliminary support for impaired GABAergic and overactive glutamatergic function in social anxiety disorder and the potential relevance of changes in these systems for the anxiolytic response to levetiracetam.
Posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2008, at 12:13:37
In reply to Interesting SP study, posted by Michael Bell on May 8, 2008, at 23:24:29
Michael so since I'm dense could you explain a bit in layman's terms? What is that med will do a google search. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2008, at 12:22:24
In reply to Re: Interesting SP study » Michael Bell, posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2008, at 12:13:37
Found this Kreppa. Phillipa
(lee ve tye ra' se tam)
Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed?
How should this medicine be used?
Other uses for this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
In case of emergency/overdose
What other information should I know?
Brand names
IMPORTANT WARNING: Return to top
[Posted 01/31/2008] FDA informed healthcare professionals that the Agency has analyzed reports of suicidality (suicidal behavior or ideation) from placebo-controlled clinical studies of eleven drugs used to treat epilepsy as well as psychiatric disorders, and other conditions. In the FDA's analysis, patients receiving antiepileptic drugs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal behavior or ideation (0.43%) compared to patients receiving placebo (0.22%). The increased risk of suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation was observed as early as one week after starting the antiepileptic drug and continued through 24 weeks. The results were generally consistent among the eleven drugs. The relative risk for suicidality was higher in patients with epilepsy compared to patients who were given one of the drugs in the class for psychiatric or other conditions.Healthcare professionals should closely monitor all patients currently taking or starting any antiepileptic drug for notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression.
The drugs included in the analyses include (some of these drugs are also available in generic form):
Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)Although the 11 drugs listed above were the ones included in the analysis, FDA expects that the increased risk of suicidality is shared by all antiepileptic drugs and anticipates that the class labeling changes will be applied broadly. For more information visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Antiepileptic and http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/antiepilepticsHCP.htm.
Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.Levetiracetam is used in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. Levetiracetam is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
How should this medicine be used? Return to top
Levetiracetam comes as a solution (liquid) and a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, with or without food. Try to take levetiracetam at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levetiracetam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If you are taking the oral solution, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. You might not get the right amount of medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a medicine dropper, spoon, cup, or syringe and to show you how to use it to measure your medication.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of levetiracetam and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 2 weeks.
Levetiracetam controls epilepsy but does not cure it. Continue to take levetiracetam even if you feel well. Do not stop taking levetiracetam without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking levetiracetam, your seizures may become worse. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine Return to top
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.What special precautions should I follow? Return to top
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.Before taking levetiracetam,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levetiracetam or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking levetiracetam, call your doctor. Do not breastfeed while you are taking levetiracetam
you should know that levetiracetam may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top
If it has only been a few hours since the time you were scheduled to take the dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.Levetiracetam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
weakness
unsteady walking
coordination problems
headache
pain
forgetfulness
anxiety
agitation or hostility
dizziness
moodiness
nervousness
numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
changes in skin colorSome side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
depression
hallucinating (hearing voices or seeing visions that do not exist)
thoughts of killing yourself
seizures that are worse or different than the seizures you had before
fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection
double vision
itching
rash
swelling of the faceLevetiracetam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.In case of emergency/overdose Return to top
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.Symptoms of overdose may include:
drowsiness
agitation
aggression
decreased consciousness or loss of consciousness
difficulty breathingWhat other information should I know? Return to top
Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names Return to top
Keppraź
Last Revised - 06/01/2007
Last Reviewed - 04/01/2002
Posted by undopaminergic on May 9, 2008, at 18:01:27
In reply to Re: Interesting SP study, posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2008, at 12:22:24
> Found this Kreppa. Phillipa
>Keppra.
Posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2008, at 19:38:32
In reply to Re: Interesting SP study, posted by undopaminergic on May 9, 2008, at 18:01:27
Oh well just not perfect love Phillipa
Posted by Maria3667 on May 11, 2008, at 15:02:27
In reply to Re: Interesting SP study » undopaminergic, posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2008, at 19:38:32
Side effects
Side effects include: hair loss; pins and needles sensation in the extremities; psychiatric symptoms ranging from irritability to depression; and other common side effects like headache and nausea. Recent literature[1] (and paper 2.163 in [2]) suggests that the addition of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may curtail some of the psychiatric symptoms.Source: Wikipedia
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.