Obsessive-compulsive disorder serotonin system

Sertraline is a recent antidepressant that is called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is chemically unrelated to the older tricyclic antidepressants (see Section 5.3). It works by preventing the movement of the neurohormone serotonin into nerve endings. It can help to improve mood and mental alertness, increase physical activity, and improve sleep patterns. It is prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder and obesity. It may offer some advantage over fluoxetine by exhibiting little central nervous system (CNS) action. It has less sedation and anxiety and is shorter acting. 

Blier P, de Montigny C (1998) Possible serotonergic mechanisms underlying the antidepressant and anti-obsessive-compulsive disorder responses. Biol Psychiatry 44 313-323 Bonasera SJ, Tecott LH (2000) Mouse models of serotonin receptor function toward agenetic dissection of serotonin systems. Pharmacol Ther 88 133-142 Bonhoeffer T (1996) Neurotrophins and activity-dependent development of the neocortex. Curr Opin Nemobiol 6 119-126... 

In the United States, fluvoxamine is only prescribed for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is not structurally related to the previously mentioned SSRIs, but it does have similar actions on serotonin reuptake systems. Fluvoxamine often comes in 50-mg tablets. 

Bher P, de Montigny C Lack of efficacy of hthium augmentation in obsessive-compulsive disorder the perspective of different regional effects of lithium on serotonin release in the central nervous system. J Chn Psychopharmacol 12 65-66, 1992... 

Synergy within the serotoninergic system. Boosting serotonin neurotransmission has proved to be useful not only in treatment-resistant depression, but for treatment resistance within the whole family of serotonin spectrum disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and bulimia. 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as SSRIs, have been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression, and they have become among the most widely used prescription drugs in the United States. Prozac is used not only to treat major depressive disorders but also bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Multiple serotonin receptor subtypes are involved. Specific serotonin receptor subtype agonists and antagonists have been radiolabeled with positron-emitting tracers to assess the state of the serotonergic system. 

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