Depression 'is NOT caused by low serotonin levels': Study casts doubt over widespread use of potent drugs designed to treat chemical imbalance in brain

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newinsightfulfun

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (4 children)

It's a shame that big pharma has such a stronghold on medical opinion that these studies will continue to remain buried, until an alternative, more profitable solution is found.

On the flipside, single doses of MDMA and psychedelics have proven to have lasting therapeutic effect in those suffering from depression and PTSD. Perhaps there are simply more positive psychological effects from some substances, and more corrupting and addicting side effects to the prescription meds given as 'treatment' for depression to keep them coming back for more.

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (3 children)

It's a shame that big pharma has such a stronghold on medical opinion that these studies will continue to remain buried, until an alternative, more profitable solution is found.

Yes, they are doing this right now with psilocybin, trying to patent a version that isn't psychedelic (I'm highly skeptical it will work without that effect). They know it works and is safe as it is, but you can't have it

On the flipside, single doses of MDMA and psychedelics have proven to have lasting therapeutic effect in those suffering from depression and PTSD.

The research on LSD and psilocybin is really promising, MDMA I am not convinced is a great idea for a therapeutic, you obviously feel great while on it, but it is a serotonin releasing agent that depletes serotonin stores. Psychedelics on the other hand have a very specific antagonistic effect on HT2A receptors, have no known lethal dose, and don't deplete neurotransmitters

[–][deleted] 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

Agreed. MDMA runs the very high risk of having a rough aftereffect as opposed to a lasting positive response. And quite rightly, runs the risk of neurotransmitter exhaustion or even toxicity.

Psychedelics are more likely to lead to HPPD, long term effects of mild recurring psychedelics, some can be detrimental to social and emotional well-being, whereas MDMA probably acts more like the pharma meds by lubricating social boundaries, albeit in a more appealing way than traditional medications.

2C-B is likely the greatest candidate by being a potent serotoninergic psychedelic with the empathy of MDMA, reputed as having an incredibly lasting uplift following the experience. It's simply life changing.

[–][deleted] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

2C-B is likely the greatest candidate by being a potent serotoninergic psychedelic with the empathy of MDMA, reputed as having an incredibly lasting uplift following the experience. It's simply life changing.

Interesting, I've heard of this family of compounds, but admit I know less about it than the more common psychedelics, i'll have to look into this some more

[–][deleted] 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

The 2C family were deeply explored by the late Alexander Shulgin and his wife. Unlike traditional psychedelics such as magic mushrooms or Ayahuasca which contain Tryptamines, the 2C's closely relate to mescaline and MDMA of the phenethylamine family. I've limited experience of each but would be compelled to point towards 2C-B as the more lasting therapeutic.