E178 - 2023 NEI Synapse Extended Q&A: 5HT2A with Dr. Thomas Schwartz
Mar 30, 2023
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Dr. Thomas Schwartz, a specialist in psychopharmacology, tackles audience questions on serotonin 5HT2A. He discusses the potential of Pima Vanserin in managing visual hallucinations related to psychosis and dementia. Schwartz explores the dual role of mirtazapine in movement disorders and weight control, along with its effects on sleep architecture. He also addresses the promising combination of mirtazapine and venlafaxine for depression when SSRIs fall short. Finally, he highlights innovative approaches to treating dystonia, emphasizing serotonin 2A antagonism as a new avenue.
Pimavanserin's potential off-label benefits for Lewy body dementia highlight the therapeutic connections between serotonin 5HT2A targeting and psychotic symptom management.
Lower doses of mirtazapine serve to effectively manage akathisia by acting as a serotonin 2A antagonist, avoiding adverse effects from increased norepinephrine.
Deep dives
Pimavanserin's Potential in Lewy Body Dementia
Pimavanserin is recognized for its approval in treating Parkinson's disease psychosis, specifically targeting hallucinations. Given the similarities in pathology between Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease, it is theorized that pimavanserin may also offer therapeutic benefits for visual hallucinations and agitation associated with Lewy body dementia, although this would be considered off-label use. Multiple speakers at the conference highlighted that increased dopamine across various disorders can contribute to psychosis. Thus, manipulating serotonin levels through the blockade of the 2A receptor with drugs like pimavanserin may potentially reduce dopamine levels and mitigate psychotic symptoms.
Lower Doses of Mirtazapine for Akathisia
Mirtazapine, primarily prescribed as an antidepressant, operates on a dose range of 15 to 45 milligrams, with lower doses being considered more effective for treating akathisia and other movement disorders. This efficacy at lower doses is attributed to mirtazapine’s action as a serotonin 2A antagonist, which is sufficient to block enough of the receptor without the need for higher doses that would raise norepinephrine levels. In higher doses aimed at treating depression, increased norepinephrine can result in unwanted side effects, further complicating patient treatment. Therefore, utilizing lower doses can help manage akathisia while minimizing potential adverse effects associated with increased norepinephrine.
Sergent Strategies and Safety in Antidepressant Combinations
The combination of mirtazapine and venlafaxine aims to exploit their respective mechanisms: venlafaxine blocks norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake while mirtazapine provides multiple antidepressant actions. This pharmacological strategy theoretically enhances treatment efficacy, especially for patients who do not respond well to SSRIs alone. However, the lack of large-scale studies leaves a gap in comprehensive literature regarding safety, particularly concerning the risk of serotonin syndrome. Despite the potential for this combination to flood the brain with serotonin, practitioners have found that it remains relatively safe with minimal reports of adverse effects, highlighting the need for further research on combination therapies.
In this episode, Dr. Thomas Schwartz addresses your unanswered questions from his presentation “Can You Say Hey? The Many Faces of Serotonin 5HT2A” by Dr. Thomas Schwartz
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