Posted by chess on August 9, 2004, at 23:52:14
In reply to SSRI dependence?, posted by watergirl on August 9, 2004, at 22:38:08
SSRIs eventually cause a down-regulation of serotonin receptors and then NE receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, but what this actually does to alleviate depression and anxiety is still being debated because so much about second messenger systems is still being discovered. One thing about SSRIs is that they might cause some BDNF expression to take place which could mean actual structural change and thus the allowance of discontinuance of the SSRI with no return of the depression and/or anxiety. But I guess it's all relative to the individual and what their initial problem is as to whether in time they can discontinue an SSRI or not in regards to their depression and/or anxiety returning or not.
The thing about Gabatril that makes me wonder is its long-term effects, because if Gabatril blocks the reuptake of gaba and then possibly down-regulates gaba receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, then you would always need to take it otherwise without it you would have less gaba available to agonize fewer gaba receptors which would allow for glutumate to have an easier time to activate the neuron (resulting in anxiety or seizure?). And if gaba autoreceptors exist on the presynaptic neuron then in time Gabatril would also cause the release of less gaba. Maybe we'll discover that Gabatril also might encourage some BDNF expression, or maybe we'll find out that Gabatril is a drug that will work for some people as long as they take it the rest of their lives.
Anyone have any thoughts or corrections to my understanding of how SSRIs or Gabatril work?
poster:chess
thread:375625
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040805/msgs/375846.html