Do You F*cking Mind? 295. The Neuroscience of Antidepressants Pt 1. Drugs based around the monoamine hypothesis
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Jan 28, 2024 Exploring the monoamine hypothesis of depression and the drugs based on it. Discussing the limitations of the hypothesis and introducing alternative treatment options. Understanding how monoamine oxidase inhibitors work and their uses. Exploring the side effects and interactions of antidepressant drugs. Investigating the potential use of glutamate pathways as a new treatment for depression.
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Limits Of The Monoamine Hypothesis
- The monoamine hypothesis says reduced serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine underlies depression.
- The theory fits some drug actions but lacks convincing evidence as the root cause.
Monoamine Changes Aren't Sufficient
- Depleting monoamines doesn't reliably produce depression in healthy people or worsen it in patients.
- Only about 30% of adequately treated patients reach full remission with these drugs.
Glutamate Offers New Treatment Paths
- The glutamatergic system offers alternative targets for depression treatment beyond monoamines.
- Approaches like ketamine and TMS may help patients unresponsive to monoamine-based drugs.