Posted by linkadge on April 5, 2010, at 12:52:07 [reposted on April 6, 2010, at 17:33:05 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Technical question on new anti-depressant » Katgirl, posted by Phillipa on April 5, 2010, at 12:25:52
Well, 5-ht3 antagonists have anti anxiety and anti-nausiant effects. The 5-ht3 receptors control the release of glutamate throughout the brain.
One theory is that SSRI's work indirectly by desensitizing the 5-ht3 receptors and hence inhibiting the release of glutamate in the brain. 5-ht3 antagonists would mimic this effect, potentially without effects on other serotonin receptors.
Similarly, 5-ht1a agonists have antidepressant and antianxiety properties. They may be more effective for anxiety, and possibly more effective in women. 5-ht1a agonists also decrease limbic glutamate neurotransmission.
Together, I would speculate that this agent might have more antianxiety (and possible mood stabilizing) effects than antidepressant effects, but who knows.
Because its actions appear to be specific to certain serotonin receptors it would theoretically cause less nausia, insomnia, anxiety, activation or apathy.
It might also be useful as an SSRI adjunct to reduce nausia and/or anxiety associated with SSRIs.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:942527
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20100223/msgs/942530.html