Types of Antidepressants
Your therapist or physician has recently recommended that you begin antidepressant drug therapy for a whopping bout of depression you are going through. Do you know what you’re taking? Do you know what it does? And do you have options?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and life coach. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Get more free tips like this when you subscribe to the GirlShrink newsletter .
***************************************************************************
Would you like to see your article here? Submit your articles for publication on our site and gain massive exposure, traffic and backlinks for your business. Learn more about our writer’s guidelines and good luck!
What do they do?
SSRIs are selective because they act only on the neurotransmitter serotonin. Normal levels of serotonin are required to regulate mood and other functions. Slowing the release of serotonin from the brain is thought to improve move and other functions. Benefit: Less side effects than other antidepressants Side effects include dry mouth, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, headache and sexual problems.
1. escitalopram | brand name: Lexapro
2. citalopram | brand name: Celexa
3, fluoxetine | brand name: Prozac
4. paroxetine | brand name: Paxil
5. sertraline | brand name: Zoloft
Tricyclic Antidepressants (tricyclics)
What do they do?
Tricyclics work on two neurotransmitters — both serotonin and norepinephrine. It is thought that they may work on other chemicals in the body as well. Benefit: More research. Doctors have been prescribing these for depression for a very long time. Side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, worsening of glaucoma, impaired thinking and tiredness and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
1. amitriptyline | brand name: Elavil
2. desipramine | brand name: Norpramin
3. imipramine | brand name: Tofranil
4. nortriptyline | brand names: Aventyl, Pamelor
Other antidepressants
What do they do?
These antidepressants work a little differently than the other two. But it is possible you may be prescribed these or see these advertised. Side effects vary from drug to drug. Check with your physician. Benefit: May work for people when other drugs haven’t worked.
1. venlafaxine | brand name: Effexor
2. Nefazodone | brand name: Serzone
3. Bupropion | brand name: Wellbutrin
4. Mirtazapine | brand name: Remeron
5. trazodone | brand name: Desyrel
MAOI antidepressants
What do they do?
Everything that tricylic antidepressants do plus affect levels of dopamine in the body. These are not as commonly used because they are difficult to use for many patients. There are many food and drug interaction precautions that patients have to strictly adhere to. Benefit: Patients see success in MAOIs when they have used other drugs in the past that haven’t worked. Side effects include weakness, dizziness, headaches and tremors.
1. phenelzine | brand name: Nardil
2. tranylcypromine | brand name: Parnate
Make sure you speak in depth with your physician about what drug would work best for you based on your presenting symptoms and medical history.
Related Links:
Top 5 Books on Depression
Free Depression Screening
Source: Healthyplace
