Controversies on the role of 5-HT2C receptors in the mechanisms of action of antidepressant drugs.

Highlights: [•] Depression/suicide seem associated with increased 5-HT2C receptor (5-HT2CR) density. [•] Antidepressant drugs (AD) often appear to decrease 5-HT2CR-signaling. [•] Therapeutic effects of AD may occur by reducing stress/anxiety through 5-HT2CR. [•] Direct evidence of AD-induced 5-HT2CR desensitization in the brain remains scarce. [•] Could post-transcriptional regulation of 5-HT2CR underlie, in part, AD action? [Copyright &y& Elsevier]