Posted by not exactly on February 20, 2003, at 3:39:07
In reply to Re: maois and tca 's in relation to norepinephrine » LAURA777, posted by fachad on February 20, 2003, at 0:42:09
> TCAs (especially desipramine and nortriptyline) are powerful SNRIs. So an immediate effect of taking them is that there is more NE in the synapse. In that sense they enhance or increase NE.
> However, with repeated administration (about 2 weeks, if I remember correctly), the nervous system adjusts itself to this by "down-regulating" the NE receptors. The NE receptors become less sensitive and there become fewer of them. So in that sense, TCAs diminish NE functioning.I've been taking desipramine for about 3 weeks. At first, I noticed anger, irritation, and a paradoxical _decrease_ in caring about anything pleasant or worthwhile [http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030208/msgs/140207.html]. Perhaps this was due to the initial NE increase. Now I'm finally noticing a real antidepressant effect, a more mellow and optimistic state. Could this be due to the NE "down-regulating"? And would this also explain why I _haven't_ been noticing any sustained improvement in motivation, focus, and energy (which has surprised and disappointed me)?
- Bob
poster:not exactly
thread:138954
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030219/msgs/202092.html