Posted by linkadge on November 15, 2010, at 5:56:29
In reply to Re: Vilazodone vs Nefazodone - 5-HT receptors, posted by morgan miller on November 14, 2010, at 19:34:48
Reading your previous post again, I can see what you were trying to say. However,
The action of SSRIs and of agents like 5-htp are very different. For instance, increasing serotonin levels using a precursor would also increase metabolic substances like N-acetyl-serotonin. This metabolite binds potently to the trk-a & trk-b receptors like BDNF and exerts potent antidepressant effects. However, an SSRI actually decreases the metabolism of serotonin and reduces the formation of this metabolite.
Also, serotonin is metabolised into melatonin. SSRIs however, in general, decrease the synthesis of melatonin. Some melatonergic agents have potent antidepressant effects in some people.
So there are two mechanisms of a serotonin precursor like 5-htp, which would not be shared by SSRIs.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:970074
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101107/msgs/970307.html