07+Drugs

=Drugs and NFB= =EEg Gamma Coherence and Other Correlates of Subjective Reports During Ayahuasca Experiences=

Abstract-The current study examined QEEG power and coherence of ayahuasca experiences with two experienced participants in a Brazilian jungle setting. An exploratory case series design was adopted for naturalistic field research. EEGs recorded during visual imagery was compared to eyesclosed baselines. The most important findings were increases in global EEG coherence in the 36-44 Hz and 5<Hl4 Hz frequency bands for both subjects. Widely distributed cortical hyper-coherence seems reasonable given the intense synesthesia during ayahuasca experiences. Other findings include increased modal EEG alpha frequency and global power decreases across the cortex in most frequency bands, which concur with the EEG of psychedelics literature. Exploratory analysis revealed the usefulness of analyzing single Hz bins over the standard wide-band analysis. The discovery-oriented naturalistic approach developed for this study resulted in potentially important findings. We believe that finding increases in global gamma coherence during peak psychedelic ex.periences might contribute to the discussion of binding theory. Also, in light of recent research with gamma coherence during advanced meditative conditions, our findings might further the comparison of shamanic psychedelic practices with meditation.

Keywords-ayahuasca, coherence, EEG, gamma

= Drugs targeting the 5-HT system = [|Wikipedia] Several classes of [|drugs] target the 5-HT system, including some [|antidepressants], [|antipsychotics], [|anxiolytics], [|antiemetics], and [|antimigraine drugs], as well as the [|psychedelic drugs] and [|empathogens].

[[|edit]] Psychedelic drugs
The [|psychedelic drugs] [|psilocin]/[|psilocybin], [|DMT], [|mescaline], and [|LSD] are [|agonists], primarily at [|5HT2A]/[|2C] receptors.[|[63]][|[64]] The [|empathogen-entactogen] [|MDMA] (ecstasy) releases serotonin from synaptic vesicles of neurons.[|[65]]

[[|edit]] Antidepressants
Main articles: [|SSRI] and [|MAOI] The most prescribed drugs in many parts of the world are drugs which alter serotonin levels. They are used in [|depression], [|generalized anxiety disorder] and [|social phobia]. The [|MAOIs] prevent the breakdown of [|monoamine neurotransmitters] (including serotonin), and therefore increase concentrations of the neurotransmitter in the brain. MAOI therapy is associated with many adverse drug reactions, and patients are at risk of [|hypertensive emergency] triggered by foods with high [|tyramine] content and certain drugs. Some drugs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, making it stay in the synapse longer. The [|tricyclic antidepressants] (TCAs) inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and [|norepinephrine]. The newer [|selective] serotonin reuptake inhibitors ([|SSRIs]) have fewer side effects and fewer interactions with other drugs. The side effects that have become apparent recently include a decrease in bone mass in elderly and increased risk for osteoporosis. However, it is not yet clear whether it is due to SSRI action on peripheral serotonin production and or action in the gut or in the brain.[|[37]] Certain SSRI medications have been shown to lower serotonin levels below the baseline after chronic use, despite initial increases in serotonin. This has been connected to the observation that the benefit of SSRIs may decrease in selected patients after a long-term treatment. A switch in medication will usually resolve this issue (up to 70% of the time).[|[66]] The novel antidepressant [|tianeptine], a selective serotonin reuptake //enhancer//, has mood-elevating effects. This provides evidence for the theory that serotonin is most likely used to regulate the extent or intensity of moods, rather than level directly correlating with mood. Although phobias and depression might be attenuated by serotonin-altering drugs, this does not mean the individual's situation has been improved, but only the individual's perception of the environment. Sometimes, a lower serotonin level might be beneficial, for example in the [|ultimatum game], where players with normal serotonin levels are more prone to accept unfair offers than participants whose serotonin levels have been artificially lowered.[|[67]]

[[|edit]] Serotonin syndrome
Main article: [|Serotonin syndrome] Extremely high levels of serotonin can cause a condition known as [|serotonin syndrome], with toxic and potentially fatal effects. In practice, such toxic levels are essentially impossible to reach through an [|overdose] of a single antidepressant drug, but require a combination of serotonergic agents, such as an [|SSRI] with an [|MAOI].[|[68]] The intensity of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome vary over a wide spectrum, and the milder forms are seen even at nontoxic levels.[|[69]]

[[|edit]] Antiemetics
Some [|5-HT3 antagonists], such as [|ondansetron], [|granisetron], and [|tropisetron], are important [|antiemetic] agents. They are particularly important in treating the [|nausea] and [|vomiting] that occur during anticancer [|chemotherapy] using cytotoxic drugs. Another application is in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

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