Posted by linkadge on January 16, 2009, at 18:14:07
In reply to Re: Long Term SSRI Use Has Destabilzed Me » NewQuestions, posted by Garnet71 on January 16, 2009, at 12:43:57
Yes, I also agree with the above mentioned description of long term SSRI use. I agree with the notion that the REM disrupting property of the SSRI's could be mediating some of the of these long term effects.
REM sleep is accompanied by growth hormone release. So, supressing REM sleep could have a detrimental effect to long term energy levels, learning, etc.
The SSRI's activate all serotonin receptors in the brain and body, they are not specific to one subtype. As such, there is likely a whole host of strange metabolic and neuroendocrine changes that occur with long term SSRI use. As well, the SSRI's can reduce dopamine release after long term use, which can lead to apathy as well as reduced testosterone release.
After long term use, serotonin transporter producing upregulates it self to compensate for the drug induced interference with the transporter. This means that, after discontinuation, there can be an enhanced uptake of serotonin. Mice treated with SSRI's in early life show increased serotonin transporter levels even after the drugs are discontinued.
Finally, SSRI's reduce melatonin release. Melatonin has potent antioxidant effects and the supression of this hormone may, over time, lead to diminished antioxidant defences.
I wish I had never used SSRI's. At this point, its like I can't live with them and can't live without them.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:874312
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/874384.html