Tianeptine is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, although it has been shown to be effective treating asthma and irritable bowel syndrome as well. Recent research indicates that tianeptine releases its antidepressant properties by altering -indirectly- glutamate receptor activity, affecting theneural plasticityof its users .
Besides being an effective, rapid-acting antidepressant (effects can be perceived as early as 20 minutes ), tianeptine is also an impressive anti-anxiety agent, making it an unique antidepressant on its kind . Unlike others, tianeptine stimulates the uptake of serotonin, increases 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in cerebral tissue and plasma, and reduces serotonergic-induced behaviour . Thus, tianeptine reduces the response to stress, antagonizing stress-induced behavioural deficits, and prevents changes in cerebral morphology (structural remodelling of certain brain regions is a negative feature of depressive illness ).
Furthermore, tianeptine has been found to improve subjective and objective neurocognitive functions in patients with major depressive disorder, especially in commission errors and verbal immediate memory . It is believed that these effects are due to the plasticity of excitatory synapses that tianeptine seems to encourage in hippocampal neurons, both under basal conditions and after acute stress .
Too good to be true? Apparently. Tianeptine, in contrast to other anti-depressants, stimulates release of neurotransmitter dopamine in nucleus Accumbens, and this is thought to determine a considerable addictive potential of this drug . Thus, moderation is urged if you want to keep enjoying the almost magical effects of Tianeptine.
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