Posted by Tony P on September 8, 2011, at 20:57:25
In reply to Re: Periactin (cyproheptadine) as a hypnotic, posted by Brainbeard on February 6, 2010, at 7:47:33
Excellent point! I've been confused about half-lives for years, and I'm an ex-biochemist ;-)
I suppose an extreme example would be the "irreversible" MAOI's, which may clear the bloodstream in hours, but continue to be latched on their site until you make fresh MAO.
My experience with cyproheptadine is the same as others, i.e. too long-lasting for regular use. But it's more natural-feeling than Benadryl (DPH) IMHO. And it *does* seem to help with SSRi sexual dysfunction -- bonus!!
Tony P
> > There must be an error with the 4 hours half-life thing regarding cyproheptadine. I have personally taken it many times, and when I am taking it I don't expect a very productive next day...either the half-life is incorrect or I'm very sensitive to it (.....)
>
> This has to do with a misunderstanding about half-lifes. The half-life of a drug only refers to the blood levels of that drug in your body. It doesn't say anything about the duration of the drug's effects on your brain.
>
> For instance, Geodon's half-life is about 8 hours, but the half-life of its 5HT2a-antagonism (one if its effects on the brain) is close to 24 hours.
>
> The effects of a drug on your brain can last much longer than the time the drug stays in your blood. Such will probably be the case with cyproheptadine.
>
> Alternatively, you might of course be a slow metabolizer.
poster:Tony P
thread:824039
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110902/msgs/996204.html