Posted by MB on June 18, 2003, at 21:45:53
In reply to Re: Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange? » MB, posted by Eddie Sylvano on June 17, 2003, at 9:46:46
> >If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
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> There are multiple serotonin receptors, and I'm not sure that most SSRIs affect the same receptors in the intestine as they do in the brain. You're on to something, though. I have IBS and noticed that if I took 5-HTP supplements (the raw ingredient for serotonin), it would send my gut into a tailspin. Taking Celexa, however, has the opposite effect. Things calm down. I think that there is a difference between the functionality of serotonin in the two areas, with 5-HT1a receptors in the brain serving to put the brakes on things, so to speak, which consequently calms intestinal peristalsis.
> I may be wrong or overly simple, but that's my understanding.
So, you're thinking that the SSRIs quell IBS symptoms by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain, and not necessarily by affecting the serotonin receptors in the intestines? This stuff is so complicated. did you read the link I left to the .pdf file about serotonin receptors? If you go to page 6, and read the bottom of the section talking about 5HT-4 receptors it mentions using a 5HT-4 antagonist for IBS. This would affect things more in the gut, I think, and less in the brain. I wonder if any pharmaceutical companies are working on a drug like this? Anyway, it's all very interesting stuff, but confusing nevertheless.MB
poster:MB
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030614/msgs/234955.html