Considerable controversy exists about the 5HT1A antagonist and β-adrenergic receptor antagonist pindolol: Does it potentiate and hasten the effects of antidepressants, particularly SSRIs? Theoretically, . . .
Considerable controversy exists about the 5HT1A antagonist and β-adrenergic receptor antagonist pindolol: Does it potentiate and hasten the effects of antidepressants, particularly SSRIs? Theoretically, blockade by pindolol of the 5HT1A autoreceptor on presynaptic serotonin-containing nerve terminals should increase serotonergic neurotransmission by increasing firing rates of serotonin neurons, even though SSRIs increase 5HT in synapses. However, reports have been mixed regarding clinical effects in treatment-resistant depressed patients. One crucial issue concerns the degree of occupancy of 5HT1A receptors by pindolol. In a study partially supported by an SSRI manufacturer, researchers used PET scans and the ligand [11C]WAY 100635 to measu…