[Use of calcium inhibitors in neuropsychiatric pathology]

C Lançon1, M Valli, G Jadot

  • 1Unité de Neuro-Psychopharmacologie, Groupe Hospitalier de la Timone, Marseille.

Therapie
|March 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Calcium channel blockers, like flunarizine and nimodipine, are increasingly used beyond cardiology. Clinical studies show their potential in treating neurological and psychiatric conditions such as migraines, epilepsy, and panic disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry

Context:

  • Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are standard in cardiology.
  • Their application is expanding into neurology and psychiatry.
  • Flunarizine and nimodipine are key CCBs discussed.

Purpose:

  • To review clinical studies on CCBs in neurology and psychiatry.
  • To highlight the efficacy of flunarizine and nimodipine in specific conditions.
  • To explore the emerging role of CCBs in neuropsychiatric treatment.

Summary:

  • CCBs show promise in treating neurological disorders including migraines, epilepsy, dizziness, and ischemic stroke.
  • Emerging research indicates positive outcomes for CCBs in psychiatric conditions like panic disorder, Gilles de la Tourette disease, and mania.
  • Flunarizine and nimodipine are identified as significant agents in these neuropsychiatric applications.

Impact:

  • Suggests a broader therapeutic potential for CCBs.
  • Highlights the need for further research in neuropsychiatry.
  • Provides evidence for considering CCBs in neurological and psychiatric treatment paradigms.

Related Concept Videos

Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers01:17

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...