Posted by tensor on March 1, 2013, at 1:28:14
In reply to Can antipsychotics+ antidepressants work together?, posted by PrettyLady on February 28, 2013, at 19:57:17
> So I'm reading up on how antipsychotics work and it looks to me like they all block the four dopamine pathways (reduce dopaminergic neurotransmission). But atypical antipsychotic also block serotonin. I also understand that SSRI antidepressants increase serotonergic activity by stopping the reuptake of serotonin, and some have dopaminergic activity as well. It seems to me that this means that they have the opposite effect. One promotes activity, and one blocks it. So why are these sometimes prescribed together? I'm asking because I am taking Zoloft, and did better on Zoloft and Seroquel (atypical antipsychotic) at the same time. How can this be?
You've got it wrong. The atypical antipsychotics do not block the "reuptake inhibition of serotonin", they block serotonin *receptors*. Take for instance the serotonin receptor 5HT2C, when serotonin stimulates this receptor it inhibits dopamine and noradrenaline in certain areas of the brain.
When the same receptor is blocked (can't be stimulated by serotonin) by an antidepressant or an atypical antipsychotic, the reverse is happening and can enhance the release of dopamine and noradrenaline, improving negative symptoms. That's the theory atleast./tensor
poster:tensor
thread:1039120
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130222/msgs/1039140.html