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Comment by willcannings

People with depression do not generally have low serotonin levels, and it's unlikely low serotonin is the cause of chronic depression. If it was, serotonin agonists would be effective much faster than the 4-8 weeks they currently take. There's some evidence that increased serotonin levels modulate glutamate after about 4 weeks, and glutamate antagonists like Ketamine are effective on depression more rapidly than serotonin agonists (as quick as 40m in some studies).

Also the depression effect of alcohol is completely different to chronic depression, any mood effects you feel during a hangover are likely related to reduced dopamine.

Sleep is very important though, and, in Australia at least, melatonin is commonly prescribed for sleep issues that have a psychiatric cause.

parent willcannings 12 years ago

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