Can antidepressants increase dopamine?
Yes, antidepressants can increase the levels of dopamine. Particularly, prolonged treatment with antidepressants can lead to higher levels of dopamine in the brain [1].
The exact mechanism that is responsible for the dopamine increase is not known.
However, some antidepressants show an influence on the expression of the dopamine receptors [2].
Also, antidepressants can change the sensitivity of the dopamine receptor or increase the levels of the neurotransmitter [3, 4].
Does Zoloft increase dopamine?
Yes, Zoloft can indirectly increase dopamine levels.
However, the interaction between antidepressants and dopamine is not well understood. The pathways and interactions between the neurotransmitter in the brain are complex.
...
Zoloft is also known as sertraline. It belongs to a group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
The main action of sertraline is the increase of serotonin. However, research indicates that Zoloft also affects the dopamine levels.
One way Zoloft can increase dopamine levels is via the association of the serotonin and dopamine systems. Some findings show that an increase in serotonin can lead to an increase in dopamine [5].
Another study on rats showed a significant decrease in dopamine metabolites. Among them are DOPAC and HVA. This indicates that Zoloft can impact the metabolism pathways of dopamine. It appears it slows down the breakdown of dopamine. Thus, more dopamine is available in the brain [6].
Does Lexapro increase dopamine?
No particular scientific evidence is available at the moment that would confirm that Lexapro increases dopamine.
However, because Lexapro is an antidepressant, it can indirectly increase dopamine.
Lexapro is also known as escitalopram. This drug increases the serotonin levels in the brain. Thus it belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) [7].
The indirect mechanism by which Lexapro can increase the levels of dopamine is not known. However, when serotonin levels increase, the dopamine levels can increase as well. The systems responsible for these two neurotransmitters appear to be linked [5].
Does Prozac increase dopamine?
Prozac can indeed impact dopamine levels. Prozac, as an antidepressant, can increase the levels of dopamine, increase the number of receptors for dopamine, and slow down the dopamine breakdown.
Prozac is known as fluoxetine. It is an antidepressant that primarily increases serotonin in the brain. However, research has found that Prozac can cause an increase in dopamine receptor expression. This leads to an increased amount of dopamine receptors [2].
Prozac increases the amount of dopamine receptors, especially in the nucleus accumbens shell. This region in the brain is part of the motivation and reward system [2].
Additionally, Prozac was found to decrease the levels of dopamine metabolites in rats. A smaller amount of the breakdown product of dopamine indicates that Prozac can decrease the breakdown process of dopamine [8].