Pharmacology - Antipsychotics have effects on GABA?

[seeingred]

"Low levels of GABA are also associated with epilepsy or seizure disorders. If we imagine a seizure as a type of electrical storm, the seizure begins at one location in the brain then rushes across and through the brain like a sudden storm. Low levels of GABA make it easy for the brain to develop seizures which is why seizures are part of the withdrawal syndrome for many substances that work with GABA such as alcohol and tranquilizers (benzodiazepines – Xanax, Ativan, Librium, Valium, etc.). Substances that artificially maintain a high level of GABA, when stopped, create a dramatic drop in GABA levels, thus creating the risk for withdrawal seizures due to the chemical instability that is created."

Might anti-psychotics work the same way? This is an odd question that swim has.

"Rather than encouraging communication between cells such as Dopamine, Serotonin or Norepinephrine - GABA reduces, discourages, and blocks communication."

It seems to be comparable to the way anti-psychotics function. Also, Swim noticed whenever swim has tried to go off of anti-psychotics, especially Seroquel, there have been intense seizures. Swim also noticed reading that Abilify works by binding loosely to D2 Receptors making it not as intensely active as Seroquel. Might GABA be the tool they use to get the neurotransmitters to communicate in such a way? Maybe there is something to that? Does anyone know of the actual process and function of these drugs: Anti-Psychotics?

[Paracelsus]

Most antipsychotics are D2 antagonists. Regarding seizures and such, I can suggest you to do some reading on neurotransmission in general. GABA in an inhibitory neurotransmitter, while dopamine is an excitatory one. Seizures are caused (indirectly) by CNS excitation (this is why stimulants can induce seizures, while sedatives such as benzodiazepines are anticonvulsants).

[Ezy Ryder]

The benzamide neuroleptics (including amisulpride and sulpiride) have been shown to activate the endogenous gamma-hydroxybutyrate receptor in vivo at therapeutic concentrations.[9] GHB has neuroleptic properties and it is believed binding to this receptor may contribute to the effects of these neuroleptics.

From:Wiki