Posted by OldSchool on March 28, 2002, at 21:28:15
In reply to They're not SSRI's so what are Remeronand Serzone?, posted by Janelle on March 28, 2002, at 3:06:24
> What are the mechanisms (in plain, non-technical English if possible) by which Remeron and Serzone operate in the brain? Thanks.
I will put it as plainly as possible. SSRIs work by serotonin reuptake. These drugs block the serotonin pumps, causing serotonin to build up over time. Remeron and Serzone on the other hand, work by receptor antagonism, not by serotonin reuptake. This receptor antagonism business is very complicated and is a sly way to fight depression. Remeron in particular is a mastermind of a drug. Serzone primarily works by receptor antagonism but also has some mild serotonin reuptake.
both Remeron and serzone antagonize the much talked about serotonin 2A receptor. This is great for reducing akathisia, jitteriness, anxiety, agitation, insomnia and to an extent even depression. SSRIs on the other hand, stimulate the serotonin 2A receptor, which creates the agitation, akathisia and activation commonly seen in the early stages of taking an SSRI.
Old School
poster:OldSchool
thread:100682
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020327/msgs/100827.html