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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mike on April 10, 2000, at 16:44:16
OK, I'm going to be straight with you all, I really don't know how most anti-depressants work. But for the most part, they all work with serotinin, whether it's the re-uptake, or absorption, or another part of the process.
Let's say the rave drug Ecstasy causes depression after prolonged over-use because it destroys serotonin receptors themselves.
I think this much is true. That said, is there an anti-depressant that would be the most effective to someone who did too much E, and now needs as much serotonin as they can get? In other words, which of the anti's has the most 'appropriate' serotonin-based function to deal with depression caused thusly.
This is hypothetical ... I've done E before, but I don't think I screwed my brain up too much. However, I do think I might have been depressed anyway.
Thanks for the help,
MD
Posted by Pfc. boB on April 10, 2000, at 18:27:51
In reply to Re: Ecstasy and Anti-Depressants, posted by Hitler on April 10, 2000, at 17:25:30
Mike,
Unless you are from the "drugs alone will treat my problem" camp, you might want to consider other biological activities that elevate serotonin levels. Repetitive motion reportedly causes production of reinforcing neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Running, walking, swimming, tapping your fingers or sex are all worth a try, and except for the later, are cheaper than Prozak. (Sex can get you an 18-year child support obligation if you are not careful). Learning not to panic when serotonin levels drop, and abiding some dark moods seems ot work for many of us.
You might also want to think about what precursor nutrients contribute to serotonin production and whether you are getting those nutrients.
Though you might have changed the balance of receptor sites by taking Ecstasy, realize that synapses and receptor sites are constantly changing denisty, and tend to reorganize as your life continues. Synaptic organization is very fluid.
If anyone tells you that your statement "I think I was depressed," is sufficient evidence that you need a prescription, consider the source.
Biology vs. Psychology arguments aside, and with respect for those who have no use for any non-pharmaceutical suggestions, food, excercise and learned wisdom got the human race through several hundred thousand years without SSRIs.
As for you, Mr. Hitler's Ghost, evidence suggests you started and lost a catastrophic war then you killed yourself, so your advice seems rather weak, and your arguments are self-defeating.
Posted by bob on April 10, 2000, at 19:03:25
In reply to Re: Ecstasy and Anti-Depressants, posted by Pfc. boB on April 10, 2000, at 18:27:51
Mike,
boB (being a Bob, of course) has some good points, particularly wrt the brain reorganization stuff. We used to think that any brain cells you kill off were permanent losses, whereas more recent work shows both that nerve cells can regenerate and that whatever is "hardwired" can get re-routed ... something I've seen firsthand in my father's recovery from a stroke that left him unable to read a single word (he could still write, talk, listen fine). Within six months, he was back close to normal.
The other thing to keep in mind is that not all antidepressants work on seratonin. Tricyclics as a class, if I'm not mistaken, tend to have a stronger effect on norepinephrine than seratonin. Wellbutrin has some effect on dopamine as do stimulants. So, if you were depressed before you may have fried some seratonin receptors, seratonin may not have been the problem in the first place.
Bottom line -- see a pro if you think you have a problem with depression.
cheers,
bob
This is the end of the thread.
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