Overview Of Antidepressants

Antidepressants are prescription medications. They are designed to help patients experiencing a variety of mental health conditions. There are several different types of antidepressants, and each functions differently. Primary doctors and psychiatrists can prescribe this type of medication. Patients should have a psychiatrist regularly evaluate their mental health when they are on antidepressants.

In addition to depression pills, patients coping with mental health issues are typically advised to engage in other depression remedies. Examples include counseling with a licensed therapist. Some conditions may require a combination of antidepressants for the most effective treatment. However, patients must fully understand antidepressants before ensuring that they receive the best medicine for depression.

Types Of Antidepressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and citalopram, are the most frequently prescribed type of antidepressants. These medicines work by blocking the absorption of serotonin in the brain. This can help in stabilizing mood. Selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, are similar to SSRIs. They slow the breakdown of both noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as doxepin, have a three-ring structure as part of their chemical composition. They were first introduced in the 1950s. Also introduced in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors block the action of an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase. This leads to higher levels of serotonin in the brain.

Today, doctors often start by prescribing a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants are considered if the newer antidepressants are ineffective for the patient's needs. Less commonly, doctors may choose to prescribe a noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant. One example of this type is mianserin. This type of antidepressant can help treat personality disorders.

Common Uses

Antidepressants are typically used to treat moderate and severe cases of depression. They may also be prescribed as part of a combination treatment for patients with severe anxiety and panic attacks. Doctors may also use this type of medication to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. Before being prescribed an antidepressant, patients will undergo a screening test to ensure they meet the criteria for clinical depression. The test asks the patient a series of questions about how often feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness have occurred in the past two weeks and longer.

Patients who take antidepressants for depression should let their doctor know if their symptoms are getting worse. In these cases, doctors may need to add another antidepressant to the patient's medications. The dosage of the original antidepressant may need to be increased.