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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by schleprock on September 3, 2012, at 11:04:12
OK, for the sake of argument, let's assume that norepinephrine levels are normal and under control, as well as testosterone levels and thyroid condition. What other neurotransmitter status could produce or contribute to the following symptoms:
Severe panic attack (not mere anxiety, but the really acute attacks that come out of nowhere and typically have people scrambling for the ER.):
1. high\low dopamine 2. high\low serotonin 3. high\low GABA 4. (some other receptor status)
melancholic-like depression symptoms (esp. anhedonia, loss of interest in activities):
1. high\low dopamine 2. high\low serotonin 3. high\low GABA 4. (some other receptor status)
Gradual loss of libido (let's say over a period of six months.):
1. high\low dopamine 2. high\low serotonin 3. high\low GABA 4. (some other receptor status)
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Phillipa on September 3, 2012, at 12:37:12
In reply to Help! Who knows their neurotransmitters?, posted by schleprock on September 3, 2012, at 11:04:12
Couldn't resist menopause? Phillipa
Posted by Chris O on September 3, 2012, at 14:05:48
In reply to Help! Who knows their neurotransmitters?, posted by schleprock on September 3, 2012, at 11:04:12
I am on the panic/anxiety axis. From my experience, I would definitely say low serotonin and low dopamine. (For instance, my one successful year-long treatment involved combining Celexa/Prozac with Wellbutrin. Pretty sure Celexa/Prozac affect serotonin, Wellbutrin dopamine.) The confusing part for me is that I know too much dopamine also produces panic/anxiety. It seems that people on the ADD/bipolar spectrum respond better to high dopamine meds (and stimulants and tobacco and caffeine, all of which produce panic/anxiety in me.) In terms of GABA, I would guess that would also be low in most panic/anxiety disorders. I too have "normal" testosterone and thyroid tests. I hope you find a solution to your issues. God knows how annoying chronic panic and anxiety are. I often feel like checking out just due to the exhaustion.
Chris
Posted by linkadge on September 4, 2012, at 7:12:15
In reply to Re: Help! Who knows their neurotransmitters? » schleprock, posted by Chris O on September 3, 2012, at 14:05:48
Its just way more complicated than that.
There is research on dysregulation of serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, gaba, glutamate, arganine, vasopressin, substance p, ion channels, CCK, etc, etc. in panic disorder.
In addition to all the neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and hormones, neuropeptides, there may be dysfunction in the receptors for these.
The list goes and on.
Of course, the most research has been done on serotonin's influence on panic attacks, but SSRIs don't work for everybody.
So, to answer your question...who the hell knows (sorry)
Posted by schleprock on September 4, 2012, at 18:20:10
In reply to Re: Help! Who knows their neurotransmitters?, posted by linkadge on September 4, 2012, at 7:12:15
Here's a response from the same query at... another forum:
schleprock, on 03 September 2012 - 11:09 AM, said:
Severe panic attack (not mere anxiety, but the really acute attacks that come out of nowhere and typically have people scrambling for the ER.)
>In this case, though, a chemical imbalance is unlikely. Or at least is probably not the root cause, because if it were you'd always be anxious to some degree.
schleprock, on 03 September 2012 - 11:09 AM, said:melancholic-like depression symptoms (esp. anhedonia, loss of interest in activities)
>My money is on too little dopamine in general, or at some specific receptor, being one of, if not the major cause of ahnedonia.
schleprock, on 03 September 2012 - 11:09 AM, said:Gradual loss of libido (let's say over a period of six months.)
>This one is complicated. First it can have nothing to do with neurotransmitters or testosterone. If neurotransmitters are a factor it can be too little dopamine and/or too much serotonin at you 5-HT2A receptors. Nortriptyline is a fairly potent anticholinergic, and anticholinergics can kill your libido as well. Long-term use of benzodiazepines can cause sexual dysfunction. Or not. Benzos can even treat various sex problems. Like all anticonvulsants it's a crapshoot about whether they'll cause or fix some things.
Maybe somebody here could build on it.
This is the end of the thread.
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