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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by RedSoxFan79 on May 9, 2005, at 13:56:35
If having two short versions of the Serotonin Transporter gene (as opposed to 1 or none) can cause one to be more susceptible to depression, then why are SSRI's effective for depression, I dont get this.The short version of the Serotonin Transporter gene causes one to manufacture less Serotonin Transporters. So this would mean there is less Serotonin being recycled and taken away from the synapse. So this in turn causes elevated Serotonin levels in the synapse, which then leads to a chronic activation of the serotonin system over time and depression symptoms appear.
Prozac and other SSRI's are doing the same thing. Causing less serotonin to be taken away, leaving more in the synapse. How can this treat depression if this is also what can cause depression in some people. It seems like fighting fire with fire. Any comments or knowledge as to how this works?
Posted by linkadge on May 9, 2005, at 16:53:52
In reply to Serotonin Transporter and Depression, posted by RedSoxFan79 on May 9, 2005, at 13:56:35
Good question. I think the whole theory is bunk myself. Esp when Tianeptine, a serotonin reputake *accelerator* is as clinically effective for depression as SSRIs.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2005, at 18:45:49
In reply to Re: Serotonin Transporter and Depression, posted by linkadge on May 9, 2005, at 16:53:52
I didn't know this. When I was a pnurse all they told us was that patients had too little serotonin and the SSRI's caused the serotonin to stay longer , like landing on the moon, before taking off again. This caused you to have serotonin in the synapses for a longer time so depression goes away. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by SLS on May 10, 2005, at 6:35:33
In reply to Serotonin Transporter and Depression, posted by RedSoxFan79 on May 9, 2005, at 13:56:35
>
> If having two short versions of the Serotonin Transporter gene (as opposed to 1 or none) can cause one to be more susceptible to depression, then why are SSRI's effective for depression, I dont get this.
>
> The short version of the Serotonin Transporter gene causes one to manufacture less Serotonin Transporters. So this would mean there is less Serotonin being recycled and taken away from the synapse. So this in turn causes elevated Serotonin levels in the synapse, which then leads to a chronic activation of the serotonin system over time and depression symptoms appear.
>
> Prozac and other SSRI's are doing the same thing. Causing less serotonin to be taken away, leaving more in the synapse. How can this treat depression if this is also what can cause depression in some people. It seems like fighting fire with fire. Any comments or knowledge as to how this works?
It might be as simple as forcing the system to adapt to a new condition; the result of which more closely approximates the genetically programmed ratios and dynamics. It almost doesn't matter in which direction you push the system. This is perhaps a very crude and heavy-handed way to go about re-regulating the system, and might account for both the large scope of therapeutic activity and side-effects, as well as the development of treatment-resistance.
- Scott
Posted by Maximus on May 10, 2005, at 13:43:10
In reply to Re: Serotonin Transporter and Depression, posted by SLS on May 10, 2005, at 6:35:33
Hi Scott,
I've visited your website. I salute the ancient bodybuilder in you :-) I'm still exercising, you? I'm unable to drop a single pound if i take my medication. Very depressing...
Charming family, indeed.
Bye.
Posted by SLS on May 10, 2005, at 21:22:59
In reply to OT: Website » SLS, posted by Maximus on May 10, 2005, at 13:43:10
> I've visited your website. I salute the ancient bodybuilder in you :-)
Thanks. It's been a long time.
> I'm still exercising, you?
I took my first walk in over a year today. Even walking a mile is a big deal. I have maintained membership at a local health club, but haven't used it regularly in over 15 years. Ouch. However, I am beginning to think seriously about going back. That's what the walk was all about. I want to begin walking regularly to build up some cardiovascular conditioning.
> I'm unable to drop a single pound if i take my medication. Very depressing...
Indeed. I gained lots and lots of weight from taking Zypexa and imipramine. I am currently taking nortriptyline, which seems to have kept me from losing the extra weight. I'm still not sure about Trileptal. I've gained a few pounds since starting it last week. I really should stop eating bagels. They're over 300 calories each. There is just so little reward in a depressed state other than being able to satisfy one's palette. It is hard to deny oneself of one of the only pleasures in life.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on May 12, 2005, at 21:26:51
In reply to Re: Serotonin Transporter and Depression, posted by SLS on May 10, 2005, at 6:35:33
Its funny. Fasting dramatically boosts BDNF. Fasting is kind of like a challenge for the brain. I think that some psychiatric drugs challenge the brain and trick it into producing more BDNF.
SSRI's are really more mood stabalizers than antidepressants.
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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