Posted by Cindy W on May 17, 2000, at 21:59:19
In reply to Re: SSRIs: - Different, posted by Cam W. on May 17, 2000, at 19:21:46
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> Peter - The reason why SSRIs are act differently in different people is that they attach to receptors other than serotonin. Everyone has a different body make up and will react differently to SSRI attachment. This is partially what causes the different effects (eg anti-anxiety effect with Paxil). What the SSRIs all have in common is that they bind (and block) to the serotonin reuptake site on the presynaptic neuron. Although they are called "Selective" Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), they do not bind 'only' to serotonin reuptake receptors (with the possible exception of Celexa).
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> Here is a partial breakdown of other main receptors that different SSRIs affect:
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> Prozac - norepinephrine reuptake receptors, serotonin type 2C receptors.
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> Zoloft - dopamine reuptake receptors, sigma receptors.
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> Paxil - muscarinic/cholinergic, norepinephrine reuptake receptors, nitric oxide receptors.
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> Fluvoxamine - sigma receptors.
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> Attaching to these, and possibly other receptors can cause differences. Also, some of the SSRIs are metabolized selectively by different liver enzymes and in different ways, which can also affect their action.
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> Hope this helps - Cam
PeterJ, I've tried Prozac (worked for a while for depression, but didn't help OCD even at 80 mg/day...plus made me anorgasmic). Next tried Luvox (great for OCD, OK for depression, but not even any sexual desire and a lot of thirst). Then Zoloft (sexual desire, but inability to climax again...otherwise OK for depression but not much good for OCD). Serzone was great for social anxiety and depression, and for good sleep and good sex, but didn't impact OCD. Effexor-XR has been great for depression and OCD at a higher dose (375 mg/day) but makes me feel like I'm too energized sometimes (have trouble sleeping at night) and interferes a bit with sexual arousal. The only side effects I've ever experienced on SSRI's besides the sexual side effects were thirst, initial fatigue (went away after a while with each medication), dizziness (esp on Effexor-XR;again went away), and mood swings (on Serzone; went away after a few weeks). Maybe I'm lucky, but only the sexual side effects really bother me (just indicates what my priorities are, huh?) ;)
--Cindy W
poster:Cindy W
thread:33808
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/33842.html