How a popular antidepressant drug could rewire the brain
Fluoxetine rearranges nerve fibers in the hippocampus of mice, a new study reports. ... Read More...
SSRIs
Common antidepressants interact with opioid med to lessen pain relief
SSRI antidepressants, such as Prozac and Paxil, interact with opioid medications to make them less effective at providing relief from chronic pain. Tramadol relies on activation of the CYP2D6 enzyme to control pain, but SSRIs inhibit this enzyme. Researchers suggest prescribing different classes of antidepressants which do not suppress the enzyme may benefit those in need of opioid medications. Alternatively, non-opioid pain killers should be considered for those who can not switch from SSRIs.... Read More...
New therapeutic target for depression identified
A fragment of the neuropeptide Galanin appears to play a role in anhedonia in mouse models of depression. Galanin could be a potential target for the treatment of depression.... Read More...
Possible link between autism and antidepressants use during pregnancy: Mouse Study
A new study in mice reveals a possible link between the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism-like symptoms in offspring. Offspring exposed to fluoxetine (Prozac) in utero were more likely to exhibit impaired neurotransmission caused by an overactive serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in modulating social behaviors. However, treating the mice with a compound that blocks the receptor alleviated the behavioral problems and improved working memory.... Read More...
Fish are accumulating certain antidepressants, antibiotics and sun cream components
Antidepressants, such as the SSRI amitriptyline, antibiotics associated with developmental problems and sun cream components are contaminating water, and are being accumulated in fish. Exposure to the medications has effects on the molecular level to the fish. Researchers say this poses a problem as consumption of gilt-head bream is on the rise, and there could be a risk of the contaminants reaching humans via diet.... Read More...
When neurons are out of shape, antidepressants may not work
Differences in serotonergic neuron morphology, along with altered gene expression have been identified in patients with MDD. The findings shed light on why some patients do not respond to SSRI antidepressants.... Read More...
New study reshapes understanding of how the brain recovers from injury
Retinal ganglion cell survival following a stroke depends on whether the pathway to the primary visual area remains active. Cells connected to inactive areas of the visual cortex suffer atrophy and degenerate, leading to permanent visual impairment.... Read More...
Hyperactive Neurons May Be to Blame When Antidepressants Don’t Work
Researchers shed new light on why some people may not respond to antidepressants for major depressive disorder. The study reports, neurons in the brains of some with MDD may become hyperactive in the presence of SSRIs. ... Read More...
Three Types of Depression Identified
Using neuroimaging technology, researchers have identified three different subtypes of depressive disorder, including one that seems to be untreatable by common SSRI antidepressants.... Read More...
Why Some Are More Prone To Depression Than Others
A new study reports people may be able to avoid depression, even if they have a genetic predisposition to SAD, by maintaining or boosting serotonin levels throughout the year. ... Read More...
Painting a Nuanced Picture of Brain System Regulation Moods and Movements
A new study reports the serotonin system is made up of multiple parallel pathways that affect the brain in different, and sometimes opposing, ways.... Read More...
Male Birds Sing Less to Females on Antidepressants
A new study reports male songbirds sing less to females during courtship if they have been exposed to low levels of SSRI antidepressants.... Read More...