Serotonin and SSRIs like Prozac can have a major effect on gut bacteria. When exposed to serotonin, specific gut bacteria grew to higher levels. However, when exposed to SSRIs, the bacterium grew to much lower levels in mouse models.
Numerous studies have linked controlled psychedelics to improvements in mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. In March, the FDA approved Esketamine as a treatment for depression. However, with much stigma surrounding psychedelics, researchers question how many patients would take psychedelic medications if prescribed to them. According to a new study, 40% of people with no experience of psychedelics would be unlikely to take the prescription due to fears of 'brain damage' or a 'bad trip'.
Fluoxetine rearranges nerve fibers in the hippocampus of mice, a new study reports.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Using neuroimaging technology, researchers have identified three different subtypes of depressive disorder, including one that seems to be untreatable by common SSRI antidepressants.
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.
