Oral Drug For Pain From Cone Snails And Plants Molecules from cone snail venom and African plants are being used by Queensland researchers as a blueprint to develop an oral drug to treat chronic pain. Professor David Craik and Dr Richard Clark from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience have received $218, 275 from National Health and Medical Research Council ( NHMRC ) to aid in translating their research into a product available for Australians to use. Studies on the molecule they have developed have shown that it is effective in relieving neuropathic pain in animals. " Neuropathic pain is one of the most severe forms of chronic pain, and very difficult to treat, " Dr Clark said. " Regular pain occurs when nervous system is stimulated by, for example, an injury, whereas neuropathic pain occurs when the nervous system itself is damaged. " " Current treatments in neuropathic pain only provide meaningful relief for one in three patients, and all of current market-leading drugs have serious side effects, as well as taking up to three weeks to begin to take effect. " Peptides ( small proteins ) from cone snail venom have attracted recent attention from scientists, as they can target receptors with a high degree of accuracy, thus eliminating severe side effects. But peptides also degrade rapidly in body. Professor Craik and Dr Clark have overcome this problem by engineering a circular peptide, using a circular protein backbone discovered by Professor Craik and found in plants such as violets. The NHMRC Development grant will allow researchers to further test their molecule to fully establish its therapeutic potential. " Successful outcomes from this project will provide additional confirmation of suitability of our molecule as a treatment for neuropathic pain, " Dr Clark said. " Armed with these data, we will be able to secure a commercial partner and develop this molecule into a tablet for sufferers of chronic pain. " -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - Source: Bronwyn Adams Research Australia
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The medicine we use: Doxepin. Doxepin: uses Doxepin is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help we sleep better, and increase your energy level. Doxepin belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting balance of certain natural chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) in brain. Doxepin: how to use Read the Medication Guide available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if we have any questions.
Take Doxepin by mouth, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If we take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to help reduce daytime sleepiness. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use the dropper that comes with the medication to measure out prescribed amount. Just before taking, mix drug with half a glass ( 4 ounces or 120 milliliters ) of water, whole/skim milk, or orange, grapefruit, tomato, prune or pineapple juice, and drink all of mixture. Don't mix with soda or other carbonated beverages. If you're taking Doxepin in combination with liquid methadone, we may mix both drugs with lemonade, orange juice, sugar water, orange drink mix, or plain water, but not grape juice. Mix only what we need for each dose. Don't prepare a supply for future use.
Doxepin doesn't work right away. It may take up to 2 to 3 weeks before you experience the full benefits.
Use Doxepin regularly in order to get most benefit from it. To help we remember, take it at same times each day.
It is important to continue taking Doxepin even if we feel well. Don't suddenly stop taking Doxepin without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when drug is abruptly stopped. Muscle aches, headaches and worsening anxiety may also occur. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Doxepin: other used This section contains uses of Doxepin that aren't listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Doxepin for a condition that's listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
If directed by your doctor, Doxepin may also be used to treat certain types of pain ( e. g. , peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain ) and trouble sleeping. Doxepin: side effects See also Warning section.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, weight gain, or trouble urinating may occur while use Doxepin. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on ( sugarless ) hard candy or ice chips, chew ( sugarless ) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Doxepin because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Doxepin do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
A very serious allergic reaction to Doxepin is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Doxepin: precautions See also Warning section.
Before taking Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it, or to other tricyclic antidepressants ( e. g. , amitriptyline ) , or if you have any other allergies.
Doxepin shouldn't be used if we have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
Before using Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Doxepin may make we drowsy or dizzy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and the risk of fainting, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you're taking Doxepin.
Doxepin may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Wear sunblock ( SPF 30 or greater ) and a hat when outdoors.
If we have diabetes, Doxepin may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, shakiness, unusual sweating, or hunger. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
Depression can lead to thoughts/attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if we have any suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or any other mental/mood changes ( including new or worsening anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, rapid speech ) . Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress closely and adjust your medication if needed.
Caution is advised when using Doxepin in elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty urinating.
Caution is advised when using Doxepin in children. ( See also Warning section. ) Doxepin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Doxepin passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using Doxepin isn't recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Doxepin: interactions Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for it. Don't start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Doxepin shouldn't be used with the following medications because very serious ( possibly fatal ) interactions may occur:
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before and after treatment with Doxepin. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur while use Doxepin.
If we are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Doxepin.
Other drugs besides Doxepin that may affect heart rhythm ( QT prolongation in the EKG ) include disopyramide, cisapride, halofantrine, pimozide among others. Before taking Doxepin, report all medications we are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist. QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious ( rarely fatal ) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms ( e. g. , severe dizziness, fainting ) that require immediate medical attention. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details and for instructions on how we may reduce the risk of this effect.
Before using Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:
If we have been taking fluoxetine, wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting Doxepin.
Cigarette smoking decreases blood levels of this medication. Tell your doctor if we smoke or if we have recently stopped smoking.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if we also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as:
Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about safe use of those products.
Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk ( decrease seizure threshold ) when combined with Doxepin such as bupropion, isoniazid ( INH ) , theophylline, or tramadol, among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Doxepin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.
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