Posted by Karen Moore on January 19, 2004, at 17:18:15
In reply to Hmm... metabolism and meds, posted by jonh kimble on January 19, 2004, at 1:50:33
I think food metabolism and drug metabolism can be very different. One major metabolism (and interaction)factor for most psychoactive drugs is the CYP450 enzyme system. Ex: Alcohol metabolism is primarily dependent on one subset of these enzymes while prozac uses (and effects) another. Due to genetic variations, we all have different quantities of these isoenzymes and thus respond to drugs differently. For instance, I am categorized as a poor P450 metabolizer (in general) and therefore if I take drugs that depend on it AND have a long half-life they tend to build up in my system and can become toxic. This is probably one reason I do MUCH better with shorter half-life drugs. This is a long shot, but perhaps the reverse is true for you??
Mayo Clinic has been researching and using this information for some time now:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/depression-rst/cytochrome.html
For the some more technical stuff see:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/444804 http://www.anaesthetist.com/physiol/basics/metabol/cyp/cyp.htm#alpha
One of the other major factors that can effect drug metabolism is kidney function. If the drug is primarily cleared through the kidneys, we each can vary in how efficient our kidneys are (glomerular filtration rate). This is age dependent, the older you are the less efficient. Though this doesn't seem to usually show up until you're 60 or so, barring no other medical ailments.Hope this was helpful. I've found it useful to track which drugs I"ve taken, which CYP450 isoenzymes they are dependent on, what their half-life is, and how I've subsequently responded.
There are definite patterns, so I think I'm getting smarter with my drug choices.
Hope this helps, though I know it can seem overwelming at times...KM
P.S. Say, has anyone out there had the Mayo blood test for P450 enzymes done yet?
> So a faster metabolism will decrease a meds effects (or so says a doc I saw). Ive taken this drug, that drug every drug (well not quite) for depression/ anxiety never with much effect. My doc said that since I was so young, 19, and I smoke that my metabolism is probably high and this is why the standard doses didnt work. Interesting, Ive never heard of or thought of that. Also, if your metabolism is fast are you more likely to be underweight or over weight? (my guess is under) Also I need alot more to drink to get me drunk even tho Im only 145 pounds. Any thoughts?
poster:Karen Moore
thread:302581
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040118/msgs/302870.html