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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Paul on January 19, 1999, at 10:36:29
In one of Dr. Bob's "tips," I found the following statement: "I wonder if opiate interneurons in the RAS are the common system mediating the antidepressant effects of all the various meds we use." What does this mean? It was said in the context of coadministering naltrexone to patients receiving SSRI's in the context of helping reduce SSRI-induced apathy, I believe. I'm very curious to know whether SSRI mechanisms are in any way related to opioid mechanisms. Thanks.
Posted by Toby on January 20, 1999, at 9:10:09
In reply to What does RAS stand for?, posted by Paul on January 19, 1999, at 10:36:29
RAS stands for Reticular Activating System. This is a loosely organized network of neurons that goes up the midline of the brainstem. It gets input from the sensory neurons, the cerebellum, the cerbral cortex and from the hypothalamus/basal ganglia. It sends info back to some of these area and to the spinal cord. It controls whether you are awake or asleep, and controls motivation.
Since the quality of sleep and other drives, as well as motivation are significantly affected in depression and some antidepressants adversely affect these things, and it is seen that opiate antagonists reverse those side effects, perhaps opiate interneurons and their stimulation or blockade is what is at the base of all antidepressant effects.
This is the end of the thread.
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