Complex Action of Antidepressant Treatment on Central Adrenergic System: Possible Relevance to Clinical Effects

Abstract

Chronic antidepressant treatment with classical and atypical antidepressant drugs and ECT leads to complex changes in the central adrenergic system, consisting of upregulation of alpha 1 and downregulation of alpha 2 and beta adrenoceptors. These changes may lead to a specific facilitation of neurotransmission in structures employing alpha 1 adrenoceptors, involved in the control of mood and emotions.