How do anti-depressants work? (featuring Claire Caballero)

#192

In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam introduce special guest Claire Caballero, a pharmacology and neuroscience PhD student, to discuss how antidepressants work. Claire explains the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in mental health, the mechanisms of various antidepressants such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and touches on the effects and side effects of drugs like Wellbutrin. The episode provides an insightful look at the chemistry and neuroscience behind how these medications help manage depression and anxiety.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:52 Meet Claire: Our Expert in Pharmacology and Neuroscience

01:32 Understanding Pharmacology and Neurotransmission

05:16 The Role of Neurotransmitters in Anxiety and Depression

14:16 Deep Dive into Neurotransmitters: GABA, Dopamine, and Serotonin

17:10 Exploring the Mechanisms of Depression and Anxiety

22:21 Ready to Learn About Antidepressant Drugs?

33:20 Understanding SSRIs and Their Uses

34:14 How SSRIs Work in the Brain

36:23 Challenges and Side Effects of SSRIs

43:08 Exploring Tricyclic Antidepressants

48:35 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: The First Antidepressants

54:59 Benzodiazepines: Uses and Risks

01:00:01 Other Notable Drugs: Bupropion and Beta Blockers

01:05:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References from this episode:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/


2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/


3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/


4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159/#:~:text=Benzodiazepines%20are%20effective%20for%20sedation,potential%20to%20develop%20physical%20dependence.


5. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20are%20the%20most,develop%20symptoms%20before%20age%2021.


6. https://mhanational.org/conditions/depression#:~:text=Major%20depression%20is%20one%20of,are%20affected%20by%20major%20depression.


7. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm


8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/
   


9. https://www.jneurosci.org/content/28/28/7040
   


10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303399/


11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551683/#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20such%20as%20panic,with%20decreased%20levels%20of%20GABA.


12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684250/#:~:text=Neuroendocrine%20and%20Neurotransmitter%20Pathways&text=Well%2Ddocumented%20anxiolytic%20and%20antidepressant,of%20mood%20and%20anxiety%20disorders.


13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950973/#:~:text=The%20monoamine%2Ddeficiency%20theory%20posits,in%20the%20central%20nervous%20system.


14. https://www.health.harvard.edu/depression/depression-chemicals-and-communication


15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/


16. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1476179306700246?via%3Dihub


17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610616/
    

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