Panic and depressive disorders: DAM related to symptom control

Abstract

Panic attack is frightening and sudden episode, which coexists with major depressive disorders. Three classes of drugs to control panic and depressive disorders are benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In this investigation, the electron transfer capacity of these drugs was investigated. Benzodiazepines are good electron acceptors, while antidepressants are mostly good electron donors. Benzodiazepines bind to the receptor by accepting electrons and thus the receptor becomes more positive, increasing the affinity of GABA for the receptor. GABA binds to the positive receptor more easily because it is a good electron donor. Antidepressants are considered agonist of serotonin and they have an electron donating capacity similar to this neurotransmitter. Clonazepam and flunitrazepam are the best electron acceptor drugs among all the molecules studied, so they can be considered pro-oxidants. These drugs could contribute increasing the oxidative stress that may be related to side effects.