Stablon appears to be effective at reducing the levels of a neurotransmitter, glutamate, involved in neuroinflammation
Stablon (Tianeptine) is..
an atypical antidepressant that appears to have neuroprotective properties. In rodents Stablon is able to halt stress induced pathological changes the amygdala (fear center of the brain) and the hippocampus caused by glutatmate toxicity. Stablon’s ability to alter glutamate levels and its effectiveness in depression has some attention away from a serotonergic theory of depression and towards a model of glutamate toxicity in depression.
The main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, glutamate controls the activity of most brain circuits and plays a particularly important role in neuroplasticity and stress. High glutamate levels during stressful periods appear to be able reprogram the amygdala and hippocampus and other areas of the brain. .
A glutamate inhibitor, Stablon was more effective than amytriptyline or clonidine in reducing the fear response (startle reflex, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) in rats and it was reduced glutamate efflux and expression in the amygdala region in stressed rats. Stablon did not effect cytokine levels in the brain of stressed rodents but it did significantly reduce oxidative stress levels. This suggested glutamate toxicity and oxidative stress played more a more important role in stress induced nervous system damage than cytokines.
Not “Made in USA”
Developed in France, Tianeptine’s been around since the 60’s and is available in many countries in Europe, South America and Asia, but it’s never made it into the US. Why? Tianeptine is an old enough drug that approval in the US would allow any manufacturer to produce, thus giving drug companies little reason to put the money for expensive trials. Don’t expect Tianeptine to be available soon in the U.S.
Stablon Might Be Effective in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia Because
One theory suggests glutamate induced central nervous system kindling results in fatigue, over-arousal and problems with sensory gating issues in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). If that theory is correct then glutamate inhibitors such as Stablon could be helpful.
Stablon (Tianeptine) appears to be more effective in improving concentration and reducing tension than SSRI’s and appears to have fewer side effects and itwas more effective and had fewer side effects than amytriptyline in reducing IBS symptoms.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia Studies
None. One Spanish Fibromyalgia study was underway in 2006 but the results have not been published.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia Doctors Report
None
