During withdrawal from an SSRI antidepressant (Zoloft) some people experience visual distortions like the phosphenes caused by LSD. Can anyone help with a possible neurochem explanation of this?
Premise: Both SSRIs and LSD have primary effect on serotonin. My hypothesis is that during withdrawal of the SSRI, serotonin levels are randomly fluctuating as the native system tries to adjust to absence of the SSRI, in order to once again take over serotonin transport on its own (the SSRI having overridden the system for a number of years)--it takes time for the receptors to regain equilibrium so the system is in flux during the withdrawal period. (For some this w/d from SSRIs results in brain zaps and all manner of bizarre brainery, but my only concern here is with the LSD-like visuals).
In what way might the SSRI w/d situation be similar to taking LSD -- from a chemistry/pharmacology perspective?
Since both drugs primarily effect serotonin, there's an obvious general connection. What I'm trying to find out is more specific -- if anyone with a lot more neurochemistry background than i have can suggest any biochemical explanation for why SSRI withdrawal can mimic LSD visuals, i would really appreciate your suggestions.
Note: in this case study there is no possibility that SSRI withdrawal effects are caused by LSD or LSD-flashbacks.
Premise: Both SSRIs and LSD have primary effect on serotonin. My hypothesis is that during withdrawal of the SSRI, serotonin levels are randomly fluctuating as the native system tries to adjust to absence of the SSRI, in order to once again take over serotonin transport on its own (the SSRI having overridden the system for a number of years)--it takes time for the receptors to regain equilibrium so the system is in flux during the withdrawal period. (For some this w/d from SSRIs results in brain zaps and all manner of bizarre brainery, but my only concern here is with the LSD-like visuals).
In what way might the SSRI w/d situation be similar to taking LSD -- from a chemistry/pharmacology perspective?
Since both drugs primarily effect serotonin, there's an obvious general connection. What I'm trying to find out is more specific -- if anyone with a lot more neurochemistry background than i have can suggest any biochemical explanation for why SSRI withdrawal can mimic LSD visuals, i would really appreciate your suggestions.
Note: in this case study there is no possibility that SSRI withdrawal effects are caused by LSD or LSD-flashbacks.
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