We Know: All About Antidepressant Medications How are antidepressant medications used? Antidepressant medications are used to reduce symptoms of depression that lasts more than two weeks and interfere with the person's ability to function normally. Antidepressants may be used in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat depression. How do antidepressants work? Antidepressant medications work on chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Different levels of neurotransmitters in the brain control our moods, and low levels or absence of these neurotransmitters contribute to symptoms of depression. Antidepressant medications act to keep these chemicals in the brain longer. What symptoms do antidepressants treat? Antidepressant medications help reduce the following symptoms: Extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness Lack of interest in life Emotional problems Severe and unexplained weight loss Insomnia or too much sleep Lack of energy Suicidal thoughts Irritation Physical manifestations, such as headaches or stomachaches How many different types of antidepressant medications are there? The major types of antidepressant medications include: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - older type of antidepressant that carries dietary and medicinal restrictions. Nardil, Parnate, Manerix Tricyclics (TCAs) - has a sedating effect when used in cases involving insomnia. Tryptizol, Tofranil, Anafranil Tetracyclic TCAs - like TCAs, but with fewer cardiovascular side effects. Ludomil Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - the new type of antidepressant that acts specifically on the neurotransmitter (dopamine and norepinephrine). Prozac, Cipramil, Faverin, Seroxat, Lustral Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors - less toxic than TCAs. Edronax The type of medications prescribed depend on the nature and severity of symptoms, age, weight, and physical make-up of the individual. SSRIs, the new type of antidepressant, are now used to treat children and adolescents because of its less severe side effects, especially if taken in overdose. How effective are antidepressant medications? Antidepressant medications alleviate symptoms of depression in as little as two weeks, although it normally takes about four weeks for a period of six moths or more to fully realize the benefits. If individuals don't see improvement after a period of four weeks, then they should notify their physician immediately to change the type of antidepressant. What side effects are associated with antidepressant medications? The most common side effects of antidepressants include: Dry mouth Constipation and gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Dizziness and blurry vision Increased heart rate Impotence or sexual dysfunction Some antidepressant medications can make a person's depression more severe, leading to increased suicidal thoughts. While these medications are not generally addictive, abrupt withdrawal from the drugs may produce symptoms of psychosis. Some medications have more specific side effects. SSRIs, for example, may lead to weight gain and allergies. One serious side effect associated with SSRIs is seritonin syndrome. This occurs when SSRIs are taken with another drug, causing the seritonin receptors to become overstimulated. This leads to a kind of allergic reaction which causes shivering, agitation, seizures, diarrhea, and possibly death. Individuals suffering from these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. TCAs have the most serious side effects of all antidepressants, while MAOIs have the severest food and medical restrictions.
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