Posted by djmmm on February 10, 2003, at 16:09:28
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
Thats a fairly loaded question...and can only be answered in terms of "theory"SSRIs block the reuptake transport (pump) on serotonin neurons. They are "selective" because they have a higher affinity for serotonin neurons than the neurons of dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, etc. All SSRIs effect a myriad of neurotransmitter systems, they differ in potency and degree of selectivity.
Under normal conditions, the reuptake pumps "recycle" serotonin that has been "used" after binding to specific post-synaptic receptors. By blocking the reuptake pumps, SSRIs help allow synaptic serotonin to remain in an active state, binding to receptors.
initially, when you are exposed to SSRIs, your neurons adapt to the increased presense of serotonin, by actually decreasing serotonin synthesis...this response is fleeting, soon serotonin turnover returns to "normal" thus the varying delay in response rates. When synthesis stabilizes, and the neuron begins to function more normally, the SSRI allows the now INCREASED leves of synaptic serotonin to activate post synaptic receptors.
*the initial decrease in serotonin has been connected to suicide
*the constant presense of serotonin in the synapse causes downregulation of specific post synaptic receptors
*SSRIs only allow you to better utilize the serotonin; a supplement called 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels
poster:djmmm
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030208/msgs/140459.html