Complex action of antidepressant treatment on central adrenergic system: possible relevance to clinical effects.

Chronic antidepressant treatment with classical and atypical antidepressant drugs and ECT leads to complex changes in the central adrenergic system, consisting of upregulation of alpha 1 and downregulation of alpha 2 and beta adrenoceptors. These changes may lead to a specific facilitation of neurotransmission in structures employing alpha 1 adrenoceptors, involved in the control of mood and emotions.