D-Cycloserine and Schizophrenia
Cycloserine, chemically known as 4-amino-3-isoxazolidinone is a nootropic drug that is vended under the name Seromycin. It was formerly employed as an antibiotic since it was successful against the tuberculosis causing bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, a study was conveyed to look at cycloserine and if it has the ability to infiltrate the nervous system. It was discovered to have that ability and since then, a lot of studies have subsequently been carried out to evaluate its effectiveness in treatments of psychiatric disorders.
How does D-cycloserine work?
D-cycloserine works by partially stimulating the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid abbreviated as NMDA. The receptors are located at the base of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala. These receptors are glutaminergic in nature, and the D-cycloserine influences the glycine binding sites. These sites that are affected by D-cycloserine are important for opening the NMDA channels. When the channels are open, there is an increased neurotransmission that is excitatory. The D-cycloserine, studies have revealed, possess a greater efficacy at the NR1/NR2 receptors, more than even the endogenous agonists such as D-serine and glycine.
D-cycloserine dose
In adults, the recommended dose for D-cycloserine is 500mg per day. It should be administered either in one or two divided dosages. It should nevertheless be reduced or discontinued if a person is experiencing allergic dermatitis or toxicity in the central nervous system. Blood concentrations of above 30mcg/mL are related to toxicity. Moreover, people taking above the recommended 500mg per day should be monitored carefully for toxicity in the central nervous system.
It is always advisable to check with your doctor before using this drug for whatever purpose.
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“Once-weekly dosing with d-cycloserine for 8 weeks produced persistent improvement of negative symptoms compared to placebo, although statistical significance was, in part, the result of worsening of negative symptoms with placebo. Consistent with animal models, a single dose of d-cycloserine facilitated memory consolidation tested after 7 days on a test of thematic recall. These results must be considered preliminary since a number of outcomes were examined without correction for multiple tests. These findings suggest that once-weekly dosing with d-cycloserine for the treatment of negative symptoms merits further study, as do d-cycloserine effects on memory consolidation.” – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18799288
“As a partial agonist at the glycine site of the NMDA receptor, D-cycloserine (DCS) has been viewed as lacking potency to fully test the NMDA receptor hypofunction theory of schizophrenia. However, findings of full agonist activity at a subset of NMDA receptors that may have particular relevance to schizophrenia, plus a growing body of evidence demonstrating enhancement of learning and neuroplasticity in animal models, suggest novel therapeutic strategies with DCS in schizophrenia. Preliminary studies with once-weekly administration have supported this potential new role for DCS in schizophrenia by demonstrating benefit for negative symptoms, memory consolidation, and facilitation of cognitive behavioral therapy for delusions.” – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22368237
BUT… “Glycine and D-Cycloserine in Schizophrenia
This study has been withdrawn prior to enrollment.
(Pairing D-Cycloserine with Clozapine was found to worsen negative side effects in patients with Schizophrenia, so the study was suspended.)” – Glycine and D-Cycloserine in Schizophrenia - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
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