Posted by neuro123 on February 7, 2010, at 10:55:02
In reply to Re: Do SSRI's cause dopamine depletion to d/r, posted by Meltingpot on May 17, 2009, at 10:25:42
SSRIs reduce dopamine production. This is one of the reasons they work well in patients with panic disorder and GAD, since dopamine is a precursor for norepinephrine. The reduction is dose-dependent. Down-regulation of dopamine is the reason behind the sexual side effects all SSRI produce + apathy. Dopamine primarily regulates prolactin and /affects/is affected by/ other sex hormones, like testosterone, therefore inducing sexual impairment. (Dopamine agonists are given for infertility in women). High levels of dopamine are associated with psychosis, hyperactivity, hypersexuality, mania,etc., while low levels - with apathy, low sex drive, slowed thinking,etc. There are no specific,long-term studies on permanent effects of SSRI/serotonin agents intake on dopamine production/receptors, but there are reported cases of sexual dysfunction long after a SSRI agent has been discontinued.
poster:neuro123
thread:883495
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20091104/msgs/936239.html