Serotonin-Dopamine Antagonists in the Treatment of Stuttering

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Re: GABA

From: Nathan Lavid, M.D.
Date: 05 Oct 2005
Time: 09:56:07 -0500
Remote Name: 71.107.205.117

Comments

Hello Jon, I have some knowledge of this study. At first blush, use of Pagoclone would not seem to be effective in increasing fluency, as it’s mechanism of action is similar to benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, like Pagoclone, facilicate the activity of the GABA receptor, which clinically alleviates anxiety. Antianxiety medications have not been shown to increase fluency directly, however they do have some use clinically in addressing the anticipatory anxiety associated with stuttering. As for the secondary effects of Pagoclone on the dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways, the mechanism is not clear. From my understanding, Pagoclone was initially developed as an agent to alleviate anxiety via the GABA receptor, and not deemed effective enough to pursue further trials when evaluated by Pfizer. The developmental rights were then relinquished to Indevus Pharmaceuticals, which has pursued the medication’s use as a treatment of stuttering based on observations in the antianxiety trials where patients who stuttered found some relief with the medication. The interesting aspect of these observations is that Indevus has decided to undertake a multicenter, double-blind placebo study of the medication in those who stutter. This type of scrutiny is essential, and considering the cost of the study, the researchers must believe it has some efficacy. At this time, no judgment of the usefulness of Pagoclone can be made, but I am, as you most likely are, very interested in the results. Maybe by next year’s conference, the results of the study will be published.


Last changed: 10/24/05