Comment · Tue, October 29, 2013 · Ceretropic
What nootropics do you recommend to treat my severe neurotransmitter imbalance?
What they were answering
[deleted] · 10 points
The downregulation of certain serotonin receptors increases release of oxytocin and also produces an anxiolytic / antidepressant effect. That's one of the theories behind SSRIs' ~30% effectiveness over placebo. Same with increases of n-acetylserotonin. But that lends no credence to there being an inherent lack of serotonin.
Hell, serotonin *ant*agonists can be incredibly helpful for depression.
Mirtazapine, for example, blocks the 5-HT2a/c receptors. Activation of those receptors decreases release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the cortex (whereas blockade 'disinhibits', for lack of a better word). Ovreactivation of those receptors caused by SSRIs is likely where worsening ADHD symptoms, flat emotions, and apathy originate.
Depression is far from being as simple as a "chemical imbalance". You might have too many or too little receptors for a certain neurotransmitter... in one part of the brain, whereas in other parts, neurotransmitter release functions just fine. It's not as simple as individual neurotransmitters - regions, receptor responsiveness, and genetic variants must all be taken into account. Lifestyle also plays a big role. Chronic sleep deprivation / lack of sleep cause dramatic changes in neurotransmitter release throughout the brain. Exercise seems to increase neurotrophins.
We basically don't know much at all about how exactly depression comes about and how…
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Exactly! Tianeptine, which actually pulls serotonin out of the synapse, is a very effective antidepressant. Much more so than SSRIs, in my experience. Depression is very complex, and we still have a lot to learn. However, we are learning so much every day!