Changes in the sensitivity of receptors for neurotransmitters and the actions of some psychotherapeutic drugs
Richelson, E.; El-Fakahany, E.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings 57(9): 576-582
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-6196 PMID: 6125630 Document Number: 192609
Many types of psychotherapeutic drugs (especially antidepressants) directly and indirectly interact with neurotransmitter receptors, the recognition sites for the chemical messengers released by neurons. These interactions can result in increased or decreased sensitivity of certain receptors. Hypotheses exist to explain some therapeutic and adverse effects of these drugs on the basis of these changes in sensitivity of receptors for neurotransmitters. This paper briefly presents some recently acquired knowledge about these drug-receptor interactions and shows how they can affect the sensitivity of receptors.