Guide To The Most Common Antidepressants
Antidepressants are prescription medications primarily used to treat clinical depression. Antidepressants are generally taken orally at least once per day. Doctors can adjust the dosage depending on the patient's needs. Patients should have their progress monitored periodically by their doctor and report any side effects or new symptoms they experience. Patients who wish to discontinue this type of medication will need to speak to their doctor about how to do so properly.
As mentioned, most patients take antidepressant pills. Doctors often recommend this type of antidepressant treatment for major depression. However, patients may also need light therapy for depression or psychotherapy for depression. Of course, antidepressants may also act as an anxiety treatment or bipolar disorder treatment when depression also appears. The best way to use antidepressants, however, requires an understanding of the major types. Learn about them now.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the most widely prescribed antidepressant. They work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, and they are beneficial for patients with moderate to severe depression. Examples include fluoxetine, and sertraline. In addition to treating depression, this type of medication may be prescribed to treat anxiety. SSRIs are a newer form of antidepressant, and they generally have fewer side effects than older ones. However, patients taking them should still be aware of the potential side effects. These side effects include headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and dizziness. Some patients could notice restlessness, agitation, or weight changes. The side effects are most likely to occur within the first month of treatment.
Patients who find the side effects of a particular SSRI too troublesome may be able to successfully tolerate another one. Since this kind of medication could increase the risk of bleeding, patients should inform their doctor about any anticoagulants they take before SSRIs are prescribed. It may be necessary to avoid over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories during treatment.
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Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants were first discovered in the 1950s. They increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, and are used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, and insomnia. Amoxapine and amitriptyline are currently two of the most common tricyclic antidepressants. Before taking this type of antidepressant, patients should let their doctor know if they have recently had a heart attack or if they have glaucoma, liver disease, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or a history of seizures. This medication may not be safe for patients with these conditions. Precautions may be necessary if this medication for depression is used in patients under twenty-five years old or over sixty-five years old.
Potential side effects associated with these medications include a racing heartbeat, sweating, urinary retention, blurry vision, and dizziness. Some patients could also experience weight gain, constipation, tremors, restlessness, and low blood pressure upon standing. In elderly patients, tricyclic antidepressants could cause confusion. This kind of antidepressant should not be used with MAOIs. Alcohol consumption should be avoided during treatment.
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