THE EFFECT OF PAROXETINE ON CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID CONCENTRATIONS OF NEUROTRANSMITTER METABOLITES IN DEPRESSED-PATIENTS

This paper describes the effect of the selective serotonin reuptake in hibiting drug (SSRI), paroxetine, on cerebrospinal fluid concentration s of neurotransmitter metabolites in depressed patients. 5-Hydroxyindo leacetic acid (5-HIAA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and hom ovanillic acid (HVA) were measured at baseline and after 3 weeks of tr eatment with 30 mg paroxetine daily. In line with similar studies on o ther SSRIs, influence on both the serotonin and noradrenaline metaboli te was found. The mechanism behind the action of paroxetine on both 5- HIAA and MHPG is assumed to be an expression of the linkage between th e serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the brain. A frequently re ported correlation between 5-HIAA and HVA was also found. The analysis of paroxetine in CSF proves the transportation of the drug into the c entral nervous system.