upregulation to reverse downregualtion???

[Guest guest]

We know that there is serotonin receptor down regulation due to overexposure to

serotonin.

We know that there is serotonin receptor up regulation in people with

chronically low levels of serotonin (such as suicidal and those that are

clinically depressed).

Makes sense right? Too much of it, reduce the sensitivity. Not enough of it,

increase the sensitivity.

Low levels actually making one more sensitive to drugs and high levels making

one more tolerant.

In this case we have become so tolerant that we are tolerant to our own natural

levels of serotonin.

Technically the serotonin receptors should up regulate on withdrawal of the drug

but why should they if they are feeling the right amount of serotonin? They only

up regulate if they are required to up regulate if the brain is feeling a lack

of stimulation.

For example MDMA users will experience a huge influx of serotonin followed by

down regulation and then massive serotonin depletion in the following weeks

followed by a responsive up regulation. This is shown in studies with rats.

Ssris however work in a different fashion however jamming unnatural amounts in

the synapse which our brains cannot immediately respond to which accounts for

" start up " effects of massive down regulation in the first few weeks until the

brain adapts. This explains why people may only get sexual dysfunction after

multiple ssri exposures. Some people may get the same effect after one exposure-

possible low receptor number to start with. And possible some individuals can go

on and off the drugs with very little side effects due to naturally low

serotonin- therefore receptor levels will bounce back.

So question is why aren't we trying to cause a sustained depletion of

neurotransmitters to encourage up regulation of receptors???

As far as I can see there is only one drug that can cause this, a drug for high

blood pressure Reserpine? Any thoughts on this?

Studies show it increases the response to other drugs such as lsd.