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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by anita on October 7, 2000, at 14:42:22
Hi,
I am desperately trying to find an overseas pharmacy that sells ritanserin. Does anyone know where I can get it, or if it is even being sold by any manufacturer?
thanks,
anita
Posted by noa on October 8, 2000, at 9:42:14
In reply to Help -- Looking for ritanserin (PeterJ?), posted by anita on October 7, 2000, at 14:42:22
what is ritanserin?
Posted by SLS on October 8, 2000, at 13:28:41
In reply to Re: Help -- Looking for ritanserin (PeterJ?), posted by noa on October 8, 2000, at 9:42:14
> what is ritanserin?
Ritanserin is a compound that is perhaps the most potent antagonist (blocker) of serotonin 5-HT2 receptors. 5-HT2 receptor blockade is a property shared by trazodone (Desyrel), nefazodone (Serzone), and mirtazapine (Remeron).
Anita, I tried to post a reply to your question the other day, but probably forgot to confirm its submission. To the best of my knowledge, ritanserin is not currently marketed anywhere in the world.
I am extremely curious, Anita. What you interest in ritanserin?
- Scott
Posted by anita on October 8, 2000, at 19:04:12
In reply to Re: Help -- Looking for ritanserin (PeterJ?), posted by SLS on October 8, 2000, at 13:28:41
Hiya Scott,
I'm interested in 5HT2A antagonism because it may help with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which are similiar to certain aspects of my depression, particularly apathy and lack of motivation. Theoretically, SSRIs (I'm on Zoloft) that increase 5HT2A can cause a resultant decrease in dopamine particularly in the mesocortical areas, thereby (via the medial prefrontal cortex) resulting in negative-like symptoms.
Zyprexa and remeron are out because of the weight gain problem. Uncertain if I can add serzone to zoloft (do you know?). Looking into the potency of 5HT2A antagonism in cyproheptadine. Will try risperidone if I can't get ziprasidone, ritanserin, or ketanserin. Do you know if ketanserin is available?
Any comments?
:-),
anita
> > what is ritanserin?
>
> Ritanserin is a compound that is perhaps the most potent antagonist (blocker) of serotonin 5-HT2 receptors. 5-HT2 receptor blockade is a property shared by trazodone (Desyrel), nefazodone (Serzone), and mirtazapine (Remeron).
>
> Anita, I tried to post a reply to your question the other day, but probably forgot to confirm its submission. To the best of my knowledge, ritanserin is not currently marketed anywhere in the world.
>
> I am extremely curious, Anita. What you interest in ritanserin?
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by SLS on October 9, 2000, at 12:20:10
In reply to Re: Help -- Looking for ritanserin -- to Scott, posted by anita on October 8, 2000, at 19:04:12
Hiya Anita!
> I'm interested in 5HT2A antagonism because it may help with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which are similiar to certain aspects of my depression, particularly apathy and lack of motivation. Theoretically, SSRIs (I'm on Zoloft) that increase 5HT2A can cause a resultant decrease in dopamine particularly in the mesocortical areas, thereby (via the medial prefrontal cortex) resulting in negative-like symptoms.
Gosh.
:-)
> Zyprexa and remeron are out because of the weight gain problem. Uncertain if I can add serzone to zoloft (do you know?).
Yes, you can. There are quite a few people here on Psycho-Babble currently taking SSRI-Serzone or Effexor-Serzone combinations. In addition, these combinations are suggested in the medical literature, especially when OCD is comorbid with depression. Serotonin-syndrome does not seem to be an issue. However, like any other combination of serotonergic drugs, it must be screened for. Even lithium, a drug with pro-serotonergic properties, has been known to induce a serotonin-syndrome when added to an SSRI.
Does weight-gain with Remeron tend to reverse at higher dosages?
> Looking into the potency of 5HT2A antagonism in cyproheptadine.
Will try risperidone if I can't get ziprasidone, ritanserin, or ketanserin.> Do you know if ketanserin is available?
No, I don't. It might only be supplied for use in scientific investigations. I will look more into this.
> Any comments?
Yes. You are brilliant.
I think your evaluation of the possible therapeutic benefits of pursuing 5-HT2 antagonism, and how to go about it, is accurate and well thought-out. I have been thinking about this myself. I am a bit pissed that my old doctor felt that Serzone was a waste of time when I asked him about it. Since I'm currently taking an MAO-inhibitor, I don't know how great a risk adding Serzone would represent regarding serotonin-syndrome. Do you think it would be any greater than trazodone? I hadn't even thought of cyproheptadine. Good one!
Risperidone is the most potent 5-HT2 antagonist of the atypical neuroleptics, and would make an excellent choice. I may conduct a two-week trial to add it to Parnate+desipramine+Lamictal. The first time I tried it, I bailed-out after only a week. I developed an abnormal gait while walking, and could barely dorsi-flex my foot to avoid tripping over my toes. I was scared that this was some sort of EPS. When I saw my doctor the other day, he was disappointed, but understanding. He didn't think that it was EPS, but rather, an "unrecognized" sedation. This actually makes some sense to me. Risperidone may have been helping.
It is ashame about ritanserin. It is such a clean and specific drug. As monotherapy, it is a drug without an illness. However, it represents a tremendous tool for composing refined and elegant treatment strategies for many illnesses. I know that ritanserin has been investigated for schizophrenia. It seems to have a definite benefit in some cases. It would be a great add-on to one of the older and more powerful neuroleptics (Haldol) when using such an antipsychotic is necessary.
Anita, I would love to correspond with you via email. If you are so inclined, please feel free to.
- Scott>
> :-),
> anita
Posted by JahL on March 17, 2001, at 12:50:00
In reply to Re: Help -- Looking for ritanserin -- to Scott » anita, posted by SLS on October 9, 2000, at 12:20:10
> > Looking into the potency of 5HT2A antagonism in cyproheptadine.
> Will try risperidone if I can't get ziprasidone, ritanserin, or ketanserin.
>
> > Do you know if ketanserin is available?
>
> No, I don't. It might only be supplied for use in scientific investigations. I will look more into this.Don't know if this is still relevant but farmaciacerati.com have just started selling SUFREXAL (the active ingredient of which is *ketanserin tartrate*). $21.86 for 30x40mg caps.
Jah.
Posted by SLS on March 17, 2001, at 15:41:20
In reply to Re: Help -- Looking for *Ketanserin* -- to Scott » SLS, posted by JahL on March 17, 2001, at 12:50:00
> > > Looking into the potency of 5HT2A antagonism in cyproheptadine.
> > Will try risperidone if I can't get ziprasidone, ritanserin, or ketanserin.
> >
> > > Do you know if ketanserin is available?
> >
> > No, I don't. It might only be supplied for use in scientific investigations. I will look more into this.
>
> Don't know if this is still relevant but farmaciacerati.com have just started selling SUFREXAL (the active ingredient of which is *ketanserin tartrate*). $21.86 for 30x40mg caps.
>
> Jah.
THANKS!- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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