Serotonin drugs altering function

A diagrammatic model of the probable actions of a neurotransmitter at the synapse is shown in figure 4. Drugs could alter neurotransmitter function by influencing one or more of these steps. Current theories as to the possible nature of the interaction of hallucinogenic drugs with serotonin and NE functions have tended to favor the concept that they function as false transmitters and can be bound into the receptor site in place of the endogenous neuro transmitters ... 

Many psychoactive drugs act to alter neurotransmitter functions either through effects on their synthesis, metabolism or reuptake or by directly affecting the receptors for naturally occurring compounds. For example, drugs such as prozac increase serotoniner-gic activity by selective serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRI). 

Two transmitters have been the subject of most studies in mental retardation serotonin and dopamine and this section focuses on abnormalities in the function of these transmitters, and effects of serotonin- and dopamine-altering drugs. 

The clinical implications of such data point to a relationship between abnormalities in the central serotonin system and self-injurious behavior. These findings have led to an interest in developing specific drugs that alter 5-HT activity to treat suicidality, impulsivity, and aggressivity independent of any specific psychiatric disorder. Central serotonin function can be enhanced by agents such as lithium and various serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Recent studies have found that the use of such agents is associated with reductions in the likelihood of suicide attempts and completions in both patients with major depression and those with cluster... 

Despite the relative scarcity of serotonin in your brain, drugs that alter serotonin function can produce profound changes in... 

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