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:


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159/#:~:text=Benzodiazepines%20are%20effective%20for%20sedation,potential%20to%20develop%20physical%20dependence.
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20are%20the%20most,develop%20symptoms%20before%20age%2021.
https://mhanational.org/conditions/depression#:~:text=Major%20depression%20is%20one%20of,are%20affected%20by%20major%20depression.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/

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

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303399/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551683/#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20such%20as%20panic,with%20decreased%20levels%20of%20GABA.
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.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950973/#:~:text=The%20monoamine%2Ddeficiency%20theory%20posits,in%20the%20central%20nervous%20system.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/depression/depression-chemicals-and-communication
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1476179306700246?via%3Dihub
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610616/


We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!
 
Thanks to our monthly supporters

Scott B
Jessie Reder
Ciara Linville
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette Napoleon
Cullyn R
Erica Bee
Elizabeth P
Sarah Moar
Rachel Reina
Letila
Katrina Barnum-Huckins
Suzanne Phillips
Venus Rebholz
Lyn Stubblefield
Jacob Taber
Brian Kimball
Emerson Woodhall
Kristina Gotfredsen
Timothy Parker
Steven Boyles
Chris Skupien
Chelsea B
Bri McAllister
Avishai Barnoy
Hunter Reardon


★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife