Chemistry For Your Life How do anti-depressants work? (featuring Claire Caballero)
Jul 25, 2024
In this enlightening discussion, Claire Caballero, a pharmacology and neuroscience PhD student, sheds light on how antidepressants function. She dives into the roles of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in mental health. Claire breaks down various antidepressants, including SSRIs and tricyclics, and explains their mechanisms and side effects. The conversation also touches on the complexities of medication interactions and the personal experiences that shape treatment journeys, offering a valuable perspective on managing mental health.
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GABA Calms Anxiety Responses
- GABA is the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter and calms neural activity.
- In anxiety, GABA levels or receptor functions are often dysregulated, leading to excessive firing and anxiety symptoms.
Monoamine Deficiency and Depression
- Depression often involves low levels of monoamines like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
- Each monoamine affects mood, motivation, memory, and other key brain functions related to depression symptoms.
SSRIs Prolong Serotonin Activity
- SSRIs block serotonin transporters, keeping serotonin in the synapse longer to enhance its effect.
- They don't increase serotonin production but maximize the neurotransmitter's available activity.