Posted by Cam W. on July 20, 2000, at 0:16:49
In reply to Manerix augmentation with Lithium--CAM??????, posted by tina on July 19, 2000, at 20:41:55
Tina - Lithium is often used to augment antidepressants. Figuring out the dose you would use with an SSRI is a little harder than with the Manerix. Serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin) has happened with the SSRIs, but I haven't heard of it happening with Manerix.
Lithium itself has antidepressant properties, as well as anti-manic activity. The principle behind this combination is most likely an additive effect of the 2 antidepressants. The Manerix stops the metabolism of neurotransmitters (serotonin, etc) implicated in depression (thus increasing the neurotransmitter concentrations). The lithium probably stabilizes the calcium ion concentrations inside nerve cells resulting in a more efficient nerve cell that can transmit an electrical signal more effectively.
The above is a guess, but I think it may make some sense. I do not think anyone is really sure why lithium augments antidepressants, it just does.
Hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:40976
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000717/msgs/40995.html