Posted by Adam on April 26, 2002, at 12:25:11
In reply to Remeron, H1 Blockade, posted by mb on April 25, 2002, at 23:28:27
Hi, MB,
I took Remeron a couple years back, and my experience mirrors what your doctor recommends. There is, in fact, an explanation that fits what your doctor has told you: Remeron blocks the histamine H1 receptor, but is also blocks the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor at higher doses. Blockade of the alpha 2 receptor on certain neurons in the brain leads to increased secretion of norepinephrine and serotonin by those cells. The increased norepinephrine tends to have an activating effect, which does seem to counteract the sedating effect of H1 blockade.
It's interesting to note that another drug, yohimbine, is also an alpha 2 blocker, and some people take it as an energy booster. Many people also take it because it reportedly improves sexual drive and performance. It at least has been shown to help with erectile dysfunction. Some doctors use yohimbine to treat sexual dysfunction caused by serotonergic drugs like Prozac. Remeron also blocks the 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 serotonin receptors, while leaving the 5-HT1A receptor open for business. It is thought that 5-HT2 and 5-HT3-mediated signaling is at the root of SSRI-related side-effects (like sexual dysfunction). Remeron is, not suprisingly, free of sexual side effects. I certainly never had any problems with it, though I don't recall feeling especially "enhanced" while taking it. The only reason I stopped taking Remeron was, alas, because it did not help me with depression. I never slept better, though.
poster:Adam
thread:104171
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104208.html