Posted on 11/23/2010 5:26:12 PM PST by LucyT
The active agent Ziconotide, the synthetic toxin of the cone snail (Conus magus), was acclaimed a safe alternative to morphine when it was introduced six years ago. Now it is increasingly suspected of causing patients to commit suicide.
German researchers working under the auspices of Prof. Christoph Maier at the Ruhr University presume that Ziconotide not only suppresses the transmission of pain stimuli, but also deteriorates the frame of mind and could simultaneously reduce anxiety and impulse control. These mechanisms could promote suicidal tendencies in vulnerable patients.
(Excerpt) Read more at physorg.com ...
Don’t they all? Depressed people off themselves. Big discovery here.
The Germans are a little slow, I just pulled up the black box warning on the drug, severe mood changes are listed in addition to psychosis, hallucinations and cognitive impairment. Doesn’t sound like a fun high.
"Scientists have analyzed the venom of the magician’s cone and one of its venom components was discovered to have a unique pharmacological activity by blocking a specific calcium channel (N-type). After this venom component was isolated and characterized in a laboratory, researchers realized that it had potential medical application. By blocking N-type calcium channels, the venom blocks channels that when open convey pain from nerve cells. If this is blocked, the brain cannot perceive these pain signals. "
http://www.theconesnail.com/meet-the-snails/cone-snails/conus-magus
This isn’t my field. Do you think disinhibition could be responsible?
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