Zoloft
Zoloft
Zoloft
Zoloft
They are neurotransmitters. They are sent across synapses from one nerve to another.
SSRIs increase the concentration of serotonin in the gap between the neuron synapses in certain part of the brain. This is the method of action of SSRIs, but WHY does this cause anti-depressant effect, it is still to be found.
Antidepressants work by increasing the quantity and action of all or some of the neurotransmitters, namely (1)serotonin, (2)dopamine, (3) norepinephrine at the synapses in brain in a person suffering from depression.
There is not just one chemical secreted into synapses (the gaps between neurons); instead, there are many chemicals secreted from the terminal buttons of neurons into the synapses. They are called "neurotransmitters."
MDMA, or ecstasy, affects three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Studies show that MDMA can damage serotonin containing neurons. "Studies have shown that some heavy MDMA users experience long lasting confusion, depression, and selective impairment of working memory and attention processes." Source: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/ecstasy/f/mdma_faq05.htm
The synapses take place in the spinal cord
The brain is estimated to have around 100 trillion synapses. These synapses are the connections between neurons that allow them to communicate with each other.
There are synapses between each and every neuron in the entire nervous system; so yes, there are synapses in the peripheral section of the nervous system.
It increases the availability of serotonin in the synapses (spaces between nerve cells). However, THE CLAIM THAT PROZAC OR OTHER SSRI MEDS "CORRECT A CHEMICAL IMBALANCE IN YOUR BRAIN IS NOT PROVEN, NOT A THEORY, AND NEVER GOT PAST THEY HYPOTHESIS STAGE OF RESEARCH."