How does (SSRIs), like Prozac, work.?!
Question: what is the mechanism that
occurs in the neuron connections themselves
Answers: what is the mechanism that
occurs in the neuron connections themselves
From what I remember from physiology SSRIs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They allow serotonin to be left in the synaptic cleft between neurons for longer periods of time since it inhibits the reuptake channels.
Some people think that depression is a lack of stimulation from the serotonin molecules. So the SSIRS will help promote that stimulation by not allowing serotonin from being removed from the synaptic cleft.
"When serotonin is released from the "sending" nerve cell, the leftover serotonin is normally reabsorbed by an uptake pump. By blocking the uptake pump, Prozac increases the amount of active serotonin that can be delivered to the "receiving" nerve cell. This means that the neurons steep for a longer period of time in the serotonin you already produce. Prozac selectively affects only serotonin which is why Prozac and other similar drugs are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.
There are other mechanisms as well. The drug blocks the sensor on the axon that tells the cell when enough serotonin has been produced. This causes the axon to release even more serotonin. Finally, over a period of 2-3 weeks, the receiving cell becomes more sensitive to serotonin, and this is the point at which the anti-depressant effect becomes experienced by the patient. "
Check out the link below, it has great pictures and much more info then I quoted here, fantastic stuff!
I hope that is what you are looking for.
Michelle
All explained (with diagrams) in the link below, go to p.16+