Psychiatrist Tells the Truth About Anti Depressants
Antidepressants are medications prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions. They work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which affect mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration.
3. Antidepressants: What They Are, Uses, Side Effects & Types – Cleveland Clinic
How Antidepressants Work
While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, it’s believed that antidepressants increase the availability of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions.
1. Antidepressants – NHS inform
2. Overview – Antidepressants – NHS
Common Types of Antidepressants
There are several types of antidepressants, each with its own mechanism of action:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are commonly prescribed and often well-tolerated. Examples include Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. 1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These target both serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples include Cymbalta and Effexor. 1. SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): Uses – Cleveland Clinic my.clevelandclinic.org 2. Antidepressants: Selecting one that’s right for you – Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Older medications, often used as a second-line treatment. 1. Tricyclic Antidepressants – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Used less frequently due to potential interactions with certain foods and medications. 1. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Atypical Antidepressants: A newer class of antidepressants with various mechanisms of action. 1. Antidepressants – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Important Considerations
- Antidepressants are not a quick fix. It often takes several weeks to experience the full benefits. 1. Antidepressants are not a ‘quick fix’ for children and young people with mental health problems – The Pharmaceutical Journal pharmaceutical-journal.com 2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org
- They should be used in conjunction with therapy. A combined approach is often more effective in managing depression. 1. Combined drug and psychological therapies may be most effective for depression evidence.nihr.ac.uk 2. Treatment – Depression in adults – NHS www.nhs.uk
- Side effects vary from person to person. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and sleep disturbances. 1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org 2. Managing the Side Effects of Depression Treatment – WebMD www.webmd.com
- It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable antidepressant and treatment plan.