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Antidepressants

Antidepressants drugs are effective for both moderate and severe depression. There are 3 types of Antidepressants -

1. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and related Antidepressants.
2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related Antidepressants.
3. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

How do Antidepressants work?

The brain is extremely complex and comprises millions of neurons, or brain cells. Information is carried between the neurons or between a neuron and a muscle, by means of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The gap between the neurons is called a synapse and it is the neurotransmitters job to bridge the synapse or gap between the neurons. A neurotransmitter is stored at the terminal of a neuron and only released as a result of the electrical impulse.

Scientists have discovered that depression is sometimes associated with low levels of particular neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - TCAs tend to be given for moderate to severe depression when a doctor cannot pinpoint a specific cause for depression.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - This group of antidepressants works on the neurotransmitter called serotonin.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - This group of drugs works on the same neurotransmitters as the TCAs but in a different way.

How does a doctor decide which antidepressants to prescribe ?

In general, TCA's and SSRI's are chosen, especially for the depression patient who have never taken antidepressants before. A doctor would take into account various factors such as -

• any medication a patient was already on for pre-existing medical conditions,
• the side effects of the drugs being considered,
• how sleepy the drugs would make a depression patient feel
• how might help or hinder the course of the depression

It is important to be aware that although most antidepressants have a similar potential to be effective, an antidepressant that works for one person may not be as effective for someone else.

Antidepressants Drugs Types and how they work

Antidepressants Facts and Information

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