Posted by Conundrum on October 31, 2010, at 18:01:40
In reply to Re: To Cheryl-Lynne Anhedonia, posted by ggggg123 on October 31, 2010, at 17:49:11
> Many GPCRs downregulate in response to agonists for the receptor, and upregulate in response to antagonists. The 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors appear to downregulate in response to both antagonists and agonists. Chronic treatment with antipsychotic drugs, which possess 5-HT2 antagonist activity, results in downregulation of both 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, as does chronic treatment with SSRIs and other 5-HT agonists.[12] However, chronic SSRI treatment may increase 5-HT2C expression, specifically in the choroid plexus.
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> This is an extract from wikipedia, its a little bit ambiguous and contradictory, but in the end it points out that ssri's may increase 5ht2c expression, which could play a major factor I think in post ssri apathy. If any receptor is responsible for anhedonia it would be this one, this is the one that stops our dopamine and norepinephrine from working. Basically the cure should be a drug which reduces 5ht2c expression or causes downregulation. Maybe a tca or 5htp supplement could be beneficial? or maybe an anti psychotic taken for a long period? how long did you take aripiprazole for?Perhaps, I assume the reason that low dose prozac can increase motivation without pooping out(when i first took prozac, I took the normal 20mg dose) and remeron poops out has to do with an increase in serotonin due to reuptake inhibition. Hmm I have buspar, perhaps adding it to remeron would increase dopamine release. IDK. I don't think there is enough knowledge on the 17 varieties of serotonergic receptors to be sure what does what.
The TCAs amitriptyline and nortriptyline would be good for antagonizing these receptors, the drugs from Imipramine would be less so. I was only on Abilify for 3 weeks, I had samples just to see if it worked. Its very expensive. I wouldn't want to be on an antipsychotic longterm, they cause a whole host of problems due to D2 antagonism. Zyprexa would probably be the most potent drug AP for blocking the 5 HT2C receptor.
It might make more sense to do what you said and take a dopamine agonist with an adrenergic TCA.
One thing I've noticed about SSRIs, is that they prevent me from having bad dreams, so maybe I have some deficiency there, and it just needs to be properly balanced with excitatory neurotransmitters.
Complaints: post-SSRI problems: anhedonia, memory and concentration problems, sexual dysfunction. )
Country:USA
Currently taking mirtazapine and tianeptine
poster:Conundrum
thread:10100
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101030/msgs/967847.html