Posted by PaulB on July 2, 2001, at 14:28:58
In reply to One person in 20 has a CYP 2D6 gene mutation, posted by Neal on July 2, 2001, at 13:36:09
> This from Newsweek, June 25, 2001 issue, page 66
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> 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.PaulB writes >
Even if certain people did have CYP2D6 mutation it wouldnt matter with the SSRI's that are metabolised by this particular enzyme-Paxil and Prozac. These drugs are potent inhibitors of this enzyme anyway and inhibit their own metabolism in and by themslves. But I agree with other drugs particularly those that are more toxic like codeine it can be serious.
poster:PaulB
thread:68734
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010701/msgs/68737.html