Are vascular mechanisms involved in antidepressant action?

Recent studies of the mechanisms of action of certain antidepressants, anti-migraine agents, and Ca2+ entry blockers have been briefly reviewed and analyzed. It is postulated that a thorough explanation of the therapeutic effects of antidepressants should include discussion of their actions on the cardiovascular (cerebrovascular) system. The inhibitory actions of antidepressants on Ca2+- and serotonin (5-HT)-mediated processes of vascular smooth muscle seem to be particularly important.