Serotonin Alcohol

Devise a synthesis of melatonin, the mammalian hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, from the neurotransmitter serotonin, alcohols, and any needed organic and inorganic reagents. 

Naranjo CA, Sellers EM, Chater K, et al Non-pharmacological interventions in acute alcohol withdrawal. Clin Pharmacol Ther 34 214—219, 1983 Naranjo CA, Sellers EM, Roach CA, et al Zimelidine-induced variations in alcohol intake hy nondeptessed heavy drinkers. Clin Pharmacol Ther 35 374-381, 1984 Naranjo CA, Sellers EM, Sullivan ]T, et al The serotonin uptake inhibitor citalopram attenuates ethanol intake. Clin Pharmacol Ther 41 266-274, 1987 Naranjo CA, Sullivan ]T, Kadlec KE, et al Differential effects of viqualine on alcohol intake and other consummatory behaviors. Clin Pharmacol Ther 46 301 -309,1989 Naranjo CA, Kadlec KE, Sanhueza P, et al Fluoxetine differentially alters alcohol intake and other consummatory behaviors in problem drinkers. Clin Pharmacol Ther 47 490 98, 1990... 

Gelernter, J., Kranzler, H. etal. (1997). Serotonin transporter protein (SLC6A4) allele and hap-lotype frequencies and linkage disequilibria in African- and European-American and fapanese populations and in alcohol-dependent subjects. Hum. Genet., 101(2), 243-6. 

Although many patients believe that dietary supplements will not interact with medications, recent literature suggests otherwise. Recently, many St. John s wort-drug interactions have been reported in the literature. Cases of patients developing symptoms of serotonin syndrome have been reported with St. John s wort alone and in concomitant therapy with other antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and venlafaxine. St. John s wort may exacerbate the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, alcohol, narcotics, and other sedatives. St. John s wort may decrease the levels of protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, digoxin, and theophylline. 

Other knockout models that could be used to validate candidate genes include mice that lack monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), which have demonstrated altered behavior and alcohol tolerance [54]. Transgenic mice in which the dopamine transporter gene has been deleted show striking hyperactivity via enhanced persistence of dopamine which is not altered by cocaine or amphetamine administration [55]. Knockouts of the serotonin IB receptor are also available and are best used as models of vulnerability to drug abuse [56]. 

The most commonly used therapies for anxiety and depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the more recently developed serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs, which constitute 60% of the worldwide antidepressant and antianxiety market, are frequently associated with sexual dysfunction, appetite disturbances and sleep disorders. Because SSRIs and SNRIs increase 5-HT levels in the brain, they can indirectly stimulate all 14 serotonergic receptor subtypes [2,3], some of which are believed to lead to adverse side effects associated with these drugs. Common drugs for short-term relief of GAD are benzodiazepines. These sedating agents are controlled substances with addictive properties and can be lethal when used in combination with alcohol. The use of benzodiazepines is associated with addiction, dependency and cognitive impairment. 

A direct effect of vasoactive amines on the organism which are not degraded in GI tracts due to the lack of mono- and diaminooxidase (MAO and DAO) or their blockade by medicines or alcohol. This group of amines includes tyramine (in Cheddar, emmental, roquefort cheeses, pickled fish, and walnuts), phenylethylamine (in chocolate), serotonin (in bananas), octopamine (in lemons), and histamine (in fermented foods, e.g., blue cheeses, but also in strawberries, tomatoes, wines, and in mackerel that have not been stored properly [scombrotoxin illness]). 

In addition to their proven efficacy in the treatment of all types of depression, the SSRIs have been shown to be the drugs of choice in the treatment of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and as an adjunct to the treatment of alcohol withdrawal and relapse prevention, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The usefulness of these drugs in treating such a diverse group of disorders reflects the primary role of serotonin in the regulation of sleep, mood, impulsivity and food intake. 

Like sertraline, these two drugs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Fluoxetine is prescribed for depression, bulimic binge-eating and vomiting, obsessive-compulsive disorder, obesity, alcoholism, and anorexia among other ailments. Paroxetine is used for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Interestingly the three top antidepressants are chemically unrelated to each other, except for being amines, and are unrelated to earlier tricyclic antidepressants. 

Drugs that may affect antihistamines include aluminum/magnesium-containing acids, cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, MAO inhibitors, and rifamycins (eg, rifampin). Drugs that may be affected by antihistamines include alcohol and CNS depressants, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, metyrapone, nefazodone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and venlafaxine. 

Mercury, lead, pesticides, heroin, alcohol etc. Dopamine, serotonin... 

Some selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are powerful inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes and the metabolism of e.g. tricyclic antidepressants can be inhibited resulting in serious toxicity. Additive sedation can be expected when given in combination with CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines but also with alcohol. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors should not be used in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors as fatal reactions have been reported. 

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