Antidepressants may prevent death from epilepsy
It is well known that a prescription to buy Canadian Paxil can effectively treat symptoms of major depressive disorder.
It is well known that a prescription to buy Canadian Paxil can effectively treat symptoms of major depressive disorder. However, researchers from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine were interested in a potentially new use for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the class of medications to which Paxil belongs. Specifically, the scientists explored these drugs' potential to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
Up to 17 percent of epilepsy-related deaths are the result of SUDEP, according to the researchers. While there is evidence to suggest that cardiac and respiratory problems are involved, there is no effective way to prevent SUDEP.
Because of the role that serotonin plays in respiration, the team of scientists conducted an experiment using a mouse model of epilepsy. After being treated with the SSRI fluoxetine for five days, these mice were less likely to die from SUDEP. However, this benefit dissipated between one and three days after drug treatment stopped.
Further research is needed to find the best regimen and evaluate other SSRIs, such as Paxil.
"This is a significant development in SUDEP research. Not one more life should be lost to epilepsy; it's studies like this that will make that dream a reality," said Jeanne Donalty, member of the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy Board of Directors.
The study was published in the journal Epilepsy & Behavior.
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