Physostigmine: a question of symptomatic relief

[Politicalchalk]

Physostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor derived from the Calabar bean. It has a variety of actions: use in general paralysis, opthalmic applications, and most frequently, Alzheimer's, as well as GHB overdoses. It is a nootropic in that it improves memory and global function, but does not stop the progression of the disease. It was also effective in this way in the control patients of matched-age. It also produces negative side effects such as rapidly raising blood pressure and effects almost every striped muscle as a stimulant.

SWIM is curious. He wishes to know about using this drug in concert with other meds, to as to lead to a safer experience. Let's say, someone has ECT and has some of their memories wiped out, and is otherwise generally healthy, except for high blood pressure. So, for instance, could physostigmine be administered with a beta-blocker like metoprolol, in hopes of getting the memory benefits, but without the pesky side effects?

One also make a (very simplified) analogy to taking .5mg alprazoloam a few mins after taking MDMA, to reduce heart/blood pressure issues. (not a good analogy, but you get the idea.)