The 5-HT2A Receptor: Psychedelics and Epigenetics
5-HT2A Receptor The 5-HT2A receptor is arguably the most interesting and enigmatic of all the serotonin receptors owing to its relationship with psychedelic research. Like the 5-HT1A receptor it is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and is highly expressed in the neocortex. [1] The neocortex is most remarkable for its strong association with intelligence, particularly with respect to object spatial awareness – allowing the brain to build mental models and…
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Impact of SSRIs on Early Development
Introduction While much of the discussion on the long-term adverse effects of SSRIs may seem speculative or overly reliant on indirect evidence, there is, in fact, a substantial body of research highlighting the potentially lasting effects of SSRIs. [1] The most compelling evidence for these enduring changes comes from studies in which animals are exposed to SSRIs either in utero or during early development – as well as a handful of…
Keep readingHow SSRIs Affect Hypothalamus and Hormones
Introduction In previous articles, I’ve emphasized the importance of the 5-HT1A receptor in understanding the enduring effects of SSRI treatment (read more). This specific serotonin receptor is crucial not only for the intended action of SSRIs but also for the broad range of unintended effects they may produce. The 5-HT1A receptor is expressed in neurons projecting into areas like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. In this article, I’ll focus…
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SSRI Dysbiosis: The Gut-Brain Axis
Introduction The ‘Gut’ is the informal term for the gastrointestinal tract, primarily responsible for nutrient absorption and separation from waste. Many people, perhaps the majority, would consider this as being the sole purpose the gastrointestinal tract – but recent scientific developments have shone light onto a whole new function of the gut. As it turns out the gut is intimately interconnected to the brain in what’s now called the ‘gut-brain’…
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Epigenetics of PSSD: Restoring the Reward System
An epigenetic basis for PSSD: It seems trivial to most people that medications, including over the counter medications, can cause unwanted side effects in some people. It’s also taken for granted that to remediate any unintended side effects, all that’s needed is to simply discontinue the perpetrating medication. But what if the side effects don’t resolve themselves. What if instead they continue for years or even indefinitely. This is situation…
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5-HT1A: Libido, Cognition and Anhedonia
Introduction The 5-HT1A receptor, a type of serotonin receptor, is predominantly located within the limbic and cortical regions of the brain. It holds the distinction of being the first identified serotonin receptor and one of the most widely expressed one. The behaviour of the 5-HT1A receptor is crucial not only for understanding the neurological impact of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) but also a broad spectrum of other psychiatric medications…
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