Posted by AmySue31 on August 23, 2000, at 13:10:18
In reply to Re: Why Do SSRI'S Inhibit Serotonin?, posted by Brandon on February 10, 2000, at 1:15:57
> > This may sound like a stupid question, but could someone please explain to me why SSRI's (for example, I take Prozac) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin? Isn't serotonin what makes you happy? So why do these drugs "inhibit" the brain's serotonin?? Thanx!!!
>
> Alice,
> This is a very simplistic explanation and I'm sure Scott or JohnL will go into deeper detail but I'll give you the short of it. Serotonin, Norepenephrine, Dopamine and a few others are chemicals. Each with a distinct structure althought they all resemble each other. Each one has a distinct receptor on the end of a nerve cell that they fit into. Drugs like Prozac and Co. resemble the structure of serotonin close enough to fit into the receptor thereby blocking the actual chemical from returning to it's site of release, hence the reuptake inhibiting effects. Like I said it's not very detailed, and I hope I didnt just confuse you more.
>
> BrandonI was taking PMS Escape for my mood swings during that time of the month. It really helped me out and I no longer can find PMS Escape. It says that it contains serotonin. So can I take serotonin for that time of the month? If so where do I find it? Or can I get it in some food? Thank you!
poster:AmySue31
thread:20962
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000822/msgs/43577.html