How SSRIs Work and Why They Work

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"We don't totally know how SSRIs work. We just know that that a certain percentage of people when they take them, we're like, feel better," he says. "There's so many medications that we don't actually understand the molecular mechanism for ... But if it works and there's the side effects aren't too bad, we're just like, just put it out there and it'll help people."

Hi! I’ve been in the hospital with pneumonia! But enjoy this banger of an encore about: Serotonin! Dopamine! Norepinephrine! Neurotransmitters: what's their deal? Dr. Crystal Dilworth, aka Dr. Brain, stops by to have a spirited discussion about how chemical messengers change our moods and behaviors. We chat about depression, anxiety, what chemicals drive us to get off the couch, how antidepressants work, ADHD, addiction, the microbiome, new habits, quitting smoking, starting meditation, Oreos vs. cocaine, SSRIs vs. SNRIs, what it's like to hold a human brain in your hands and if she would donate hers to science. Also: what's up with "lizard brains?"

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A donation went to The Geena Davis Institute: seejane.org

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