Posted by SLS on August 22, 2009, at 7:23:44
In reply to Healthier Long Term-MAOIs or SSRIs???, posted by morganator on August 22, 2009, at 0:05:18
> I was wondering which antidepressants might be safer/healthier for the brain and body long term, SSRI's or MAOIs,specifically Parnate and Nardil.
>I don't know what the final judgment will be, but MAOIs can help prevent apoptosis and cell death. This includes Nardil and Parnate, and not only selegiline (Emsam; Eldepryl) and rasagiline (Azilect). However, the latter two drugs seem to demonstrate a more robust antiapoptotic neuroprotective effect. It is interesting that MAO activity increases with age.
There are some studies pointing to elevated serotonin levels increasing mitochondrial damage and apoptosis, particularly with fluoxetine (Prozac). Damage to cardiac endothelial cells has been seen in people who possess the SS gene variant (allele) of the serotonin transporter.
I really don't know how to interpret all of this. Outside the lab and in real life, are these studies relevant? Although they are inferior antidepressants, selegiline and rasagiline both show the highest degree of neuroprotection. Of these, rasagiline has the advantage of not producing methamphetamine, a pro-apoptotic, as a metabolite.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:913437
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090818/msgs/913453.html