Methods to affect Neurotransmitter Balance
Reuptake Inhibitors
Reuptake inhibitors (such as these) are often used in medicine to manipulate the levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. In fact, this is the most widely used approach used for disorders related to neurotransmitter imbalances. However, without properly administered amino acid therapy (see previous post: Methods to affect Neurotransmitter Balance: Amino Acid Therapy), reuptake inhibitors actually cause a depletion of neurotransmitters over time, making the underlying problem even worse.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse presents a detailed discussion on its website on how reuptake inhibitors deplete neurotransmitters.22 Medicines used to treat depression are not the only drugs that block reuptake; cocaine and amphetamines block reuptake as well.22 Reuptake inhibitors work by blocking the uptake of neurotransmitters back into the pre-synaptic neuron. In doing so, synaptic levels are increased. As synaptic neurotransmitter levels rise, relief of symptoms is often observed which is why the drugs are used. However, higher synaptic levels also lead to increased neurotransmitter destruction.
22. The Neurobiology of Ecstasy (MDMA) National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), slides 9 through 11. http://www.nida.nih.gov/pubs/teaching/Teaching4/Teaching.html.
