The neurotransmitter serotonin
(5-HT or 5 hydroxy tryptamine) may play a role in many mental disorders. This class of drugs probably acts by limiting the reabsorption of serotonin
by neurons (nerve cells) in the brain where they
meet (the synapse).
Also:
serotonin syndrome
Examples:
Stephen Stahl's Clinical Pearls* (Consult your physician before making any change in
your treatment.)
- Different doses, different onsets of action, different tolerabilities and different
degrees of efficacy in various
therapeutic targets.
- Most side effects short
term, and immediate,
with tolerance developing.
- Different tolerability and efficacy profiles for individual patients treated by
different agents within the class.
- Concomitant agents often boost efficacy and/or enhance tolerability.
- Less efficacy than TCAs for severe depression?
- Wearing off of efficacy over long treatment intervals?
- For sexual dysfunction, switch to nefazodone (Serzone), mirtazapine (Remeron) or bupropion
(Wellbutrin SR-USA only).
- For sexual dysfunction add serotonergic
agents: cyproheptadine, nefazodone
or buspirone.
- For sexual dysfunction add dopaminergic agents: amantadine,
bromocriptine, methylphenidate,
d-amphetamine.
Books and Other
Media:
Follow the hypertext link to purchase items. |
 |
*Reprinted with permission from: Stahl, Stephen M Psychopharmacology
of Antidepressants Paperback 1997 Martin Dunitz, Ltd
& Blackwell Science You cannot
fully appreciate this book until you have seen the extraordinary illustrations
of every aspect of this area of psychopharmacology and neurochemistry. Loaded
with practical clinical "pearls."
|
