Posted by PhilipCarey on August 10, 2003, at 14:47:09
In reply to Re: SSRI'S SUCK, posted by daizy on August 10, 2003, at 12:09:22
> Remeron
>
> I think Im right in saying it isnt a TCA either!?Yea, you're right. I've never tried TCAs or MAOIs, though I've heard a lot of good things about Parnate and Nardil. For me Remeron effectively knocks out depression at only 15mgs. I take it at night, and it's great for sleep. Does not leave me sedated the next day. I think it'll remain part of my regimen. What it does not do is provide a real mood elevation. Dammit, I want these pills to do everything! I'm gonna try augmenting with Adrafinil. Recently tried Provigil, but found its action a little harsh. I hear Adrafinil, which is quite similar, is much milder in effect. I've also read that some that did not respond well to Provigil, do respond well to Adrafinil. We shall see. My order is in.
Here's the bio:
Remeron (Mirtazapine), approved in 1996, is the first in a new class of antidepressants known as “noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant’s (NaSSA’s). Mirtazapine works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, two of the neurotransmitter chemicals that carry messages between brain nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are secreted by one cell and picked up by receptor proteins on the surface of another cell. Once the message has been delivered, a neurotransmitter is either destroyed or absorbed into the cell that made it. This process is known as re-uptake. When re-uptake is inhibited, the effect of the neurotransmitters is amplified. Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin are involved in the regulation of pain, pleasure, anxiety, panic, arousal, and sleep behavior (the sleep-wake cycle).What makes Remeron etc. (Mirtazapine) somewhat unique, is that at the same time as it stimulates norepinephrine and serotonin, it also blocks two specific serotonin receptors (5-HT2 and 5-HT3). This ability to specifically target serotonin receptors theoretically minimizes common side-effects patients typically find undesirable with most other antidepressants, such as decreased sexual drive, nervousness and insomnia (ironically, Mirtazapine appears to be one of the more sedating antidepressants and is often used as a sleep aid). Mirtazapine shows a significantly earlier onset of action than SSRI antidepressants and appears to be at least as effective as Effexor (Venlafaxin), and the older tricyclic antidepressants. Weight gain appears to be the most commonly reported negative side-effect of Mirtazapine.
poster:PhilipCarey
thread:249559
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030807/msgs/249827.html