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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Janelle on March 28, 2002, at 3:06:24
What are the mechanisms (in plain, non-technical English if possible) by which Remeron and Serzone operate in the brain? Thanks.
Posted by fachad on March 28, 2002, at 8:44:04
In reply to They're not SSRI's so what are Remeronand Serzone?, posted by Janelle on March 28, 2002, at 3:06:24
Serzone and Remeron are "multiple action and multiple neurotransmitter" ADs. They are sometimes called "new atypical ADs" They block both re-uptake and post-synapse receptors.
Someone else will have give you the whole story, I don't know it from memory myself.
What I remember is that Serzone blocks serotonin re-uptake, and it also blocks one type (5-HT2) of serotonin receptor.
Remeron is very complex, blocking re-uptake of both NE and 5HT, plus blocking multiple receptor types.
Hope that helps.
> What are the mechanisms (in plain, non-technical English if possible) by which Remeron and Serzone operate in the brain? Thanks.
Posted by djmmm on March 28, 2002, at 10:12:32
In reply to Re: They're not SSRI's so what are Remeronand Serzone? » Janelle, posted by fachad on March 28, 2002, at 8:44:04
Remeron blocks specific norepinephrine receptors called alpha2-receptors. By blocking these receptors, norepinephrine release is increased.. serotonin neurons also contain alpha2-receptors, as a result serotonin release is also increased.
Remeron also blocks 5-ht1a, 5-ht2 (2a and 2c), 5-ht3 receptors (theoretically preventing many of the side effects associated with the SSRIs)
It also acts as an antihistamine
Posted by OldSchool on March 28, 2002, at 21:28:15
In reply to They're not SSRI's so what are Remeronand Serzone?, posted by Janelle on March 28, 2002, at 3:06:24
> What are the mechanisms (in plain, non-technical English if possible) by which Remeron and Serzone operate in the brain? Thanks.
I will put it as plainly as possible. SSRIs work by serotonin reuptake. These drugs block the serotonin pumps, causing serotonin to build up over time. Remeron and Serzone on the other hand, work by receptor antagonism, not by serotonin reuptake. This receptor antagonism business is very complicated and is a sly way to fight depression. Remeron in particular is a mastermind of a drug. Serzone primarily works by receptor antagonism but also has some mild serotonin reuptake.
both Remeron and serzone antagonize the much talked about serotonin 2A receptor. This is great for reducing akathisia, jitteriness, anxiety, agitation, insomnia and to an extent even depression. SSRIs on the other hand, stimulate the serotonin 2A receptor, which creates the agitation, akathisia and activation commonly seen in the early stages of taking an SSRI.
Old School
Posted by Janelle on March 30, 2002, at 3:01:30
In reply to Re: They're not SSRI's so what are Remeronand Serzone?, posted by djmmm on March 28, 2002, at 10:12:32
You wrote that Remeron blocks specific norepinephrine receptors called alpha2-receptors and that serotonin neurons also contain alpha2-receptors ...
This leads me to ask a very, very embarassing question (I can't believe I'm posting this!) -- what exactly is a neuron?
I know that serotonin is a neurotransmitter, so are there specific neurons that release and reuptake specific neurotransmitters? For example, is there a dopamine neuron that handles dopamine, etc.? Man, do I feel DUMB.
Posted by nightlight on March 31, 2002, at 17:38:48
In reply to They're not SSRI's so what are Remeronand Serzone?, posted by Janelle on March 28, 2002, at 3:06:24
> What are the mechanisms (in plain, non-technical English if possible) by which Remeron and Serzone operate in the brain? Thanks.
Hi Janelle,
When I tried Remeron 1 1/2 yrs. ago, somewhere in my usual research of the *most recent* AD I'm perpetually auditioning, I seem to remember Remeron being listed as an SNRI: meaning, I believe, Selective Norepenephrine Re-uptake Inhibitor. As opposed to SSRI's: selective Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, such as Prozac.Incidentally, it was great for anxiety, I never slept better in my life (30 mgs.), I was not any more drowsy than usual during the day, but I had a non-stop compulsion to eat, and it did nothing for my depression, motivation, vigilance, etc.
So, I became a calm, cool, overweight vegetative depressive, not exactly a success story. Added on Welbutrin, but, no marked change.Luck to u~nightlight
This is the end of the thread.
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