Posted by Larry Hoover on November 28, 2002, at 7:20:39
In reply to Larry Hoover....what are your thoughts on this?, posted by McPac on November 28, 2002, at 2:00:00
> HowdyDudy wrote this on another thread above...I'd love your 'take' on this theory AND is there a way to prevent this dopamine depletion?
>
> "The most common theory concerning why ADs poop out revolves around subtle dopamine depletion over the longterm. Many ADs, particularly the newer SSRIs, slowly deplete dopamine over time. As dopamine levels deplete, activation of the antidepressant tends to decrease."My first reaction is, this is a theory, not an observation. Already that makes me less interested in building more thoughts around it.
Rather than being a depletion of dopamine levels (something I consider to be unlikely), what may instead be happening is the drug is regulated out of its effective range. IMHO, the body has an amazing capacity to change the sensitivity of its receptors, and by multiple mechanisms. As the antidepressant drug is a foreign substance, why wouldn't the body's natural tendency be to deprive it of activity?
Alternatively, the drug may place a burden on particular biochemical pathways which deplete specific nutrients over time. Under this hypothesis, figuring out how to feed the brain appropriately would extend the usefulness of the drug.
I don't much care for theories because they restrict thinking, rather than extending it. I mean that in the sense of adopting a theory as a philosophy of understanding; it becomes dogma, belief in one unprovable thought structure, to the exclusion of others with similar merit.
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:129691
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021127/msgs/129702.html