Posted by Bob P (129.65.46.87) on January 18, 2001 at 12:04:15:
In Reply to: You have got to be kidding me... smile! posted by jacque on January 18, 2001 at 11:22:13:
Serotonin, aka 5HT, is the key. 5HT is a chemical that sends certain signals between nerve cells. One of the things it does is control the dialation/contraction of blood vessels. It is also involved in body temperature regulation, appetite, moods, etc.
Zoloft is used for treating depression. It does this by keeping the 5HT in the gap (synapse) between the nerve cells. It inhibits the reuptake of the 5HT by the cell that released it in the first place. Another effect of this is the contolling of the blood vessel dialtion (this is the part that helps the headaches).
So, Zoloft is an antidepressant. It has a side effect of controlling the dialation of the blood vessels so it may be helpful in treating the headaches.
Bob P