Posted by Cam W. on December 20, 2001, at 15:35:47
In reply to CAM: SSRIs and Our Body's Synthesis of Serotonin » Cam W., posted by IsoM on December 20, 2001, at 14:11:48
IsoM - I would think that SRIs would force our bodies to produce more serotonin. SRIs block the reuptake of serotonin back into the presynaptic neuron, so the body is unable the reuse the neurotransmitter. The serotonin "trapped" in the gap is, for the most part, metabolized, but the levels of serotonin in the gap are still going to be higher while taking the antidepressant than they would be after the antidepressant is stopped. This would result in the serotonergic withdrawl syndrome that is seen; and the less serotonin the body is producing would result in more severe withdrawl effects. This would be exacerbated in those people who also are polymorphic for CYP-2D6 (ie. have multiple copies of the cytochrome-P450-2D6 enzyme gene).
This mechanism is different from adding levothyroxin (Synthroid™) in hypothyroidism, as you are not adding serotonin to the body with SRIs, you are blocking it's reuptake. The body is still responsible for producing all the serotonin that it is using.
That's the way I see it, anyway. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:3670
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87553.html