Posted by Cam W. on January 30, 2000, at 21:40:29
In reply to Re: Which ADs affect dopamine and norepinephrine?, posted by Kev on January 30, 2000, at 21:03:00
> How exactly would one know that their particular situation required drugs that work on one or the other of these neurotransmitters (Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine)?
>
> -KevKev - You really can't tell for sure unless one does brain levels, which can be done easily. Symptoms of your depression can guide the choice. The only thing we do know is that serotonin levels (or at least a metabolite in the cerebral spinal fluid) is low, but not in every case. Since the tricyclic ADs (TCAs - eg Elavil) increase both serotonin and norepinephrine, and are generally regarded as the best of the chemical ADs, we are led to believe that norepinephrine plays a role in depression. Low levels of norepinephrine are not generally detected in depressed individuals. All neurotransmitters are linked to one another at various levels in the CNS (central nervous system), so by affecting norepinephrine and serotonin, we seem to be alleviating the symptoms of depression the best. But I believe the mechanism(s) of action of antidepressants have not yet been determined, we are just seeing the finally results and making educated guesses at how they may work. The only way to find what AD is best for you is to have adequate trials until one works. Sorry, there are no algorithms for depression, yet. We do know that certain subtypes of depression respond to certain ADs (MAOIs in psychotic and atypical depressions) but we haven't figured out all the subtypes of depression, yet, either. - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:19950
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20147.html