Different types of antidepressants may be used to treatmental health conditions.
There are five major types of antidepressants and several others that are less commonly used.
These primarilyserve as neurotransmitters, which transmit nerve signals to their corresponding receptors in the brain.
Verywell / Bailey Mariner
Antidepressants increase the availability of one or several of these neurotransmitters in different, distinctive ways.
Depression is a common disorder that affects brain chemistry and function.
Antidepressants are grouped into classes based on how they affect the chemistry of the brain.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) work by specifically inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin.
The first SNRI was FDA-approved in December of 1993.
Examples of TCAs include:
Ludiomil (maprotiline) belongs to the same class of drugs.
In some cases, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and seizures can also occur.
By blocking this effect, more neurotransmitters are available for mood regulation.
To avoid this, MAOI treatment usually involves dietary restrictions.
Other side effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and insomnia.
Even so, its use is usually reserved for when other antidepressant options have failed.
Broadly described as atypical antidepressants, they affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in unique ways.
Antidepressant Effectiveness
Antidepressants are effective in treating depression, although individual responses may vary.
So which key in of antidepressant is the most effective?
Wellbutrin and SNRIs also typically have fewer side effects and good efficacy.
All types of antidepressants take a few weeks to begin working.
Choosing the Right Antidepressant
There are several factors that go intochoosing the right antidepressant.
Chief among them is tolerability.
This is especially true with nausea andweight gain.
Options include herbs and supplements that may have a beneficial effect on mood, such asSt.
Some people may find that alternative therapies such as brain stimulation therapy and acupuncture can be helpful.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying a natural antidepressant.
Lifestyle modifications can also play an important role in depression treatment and augment medication and therapy.
In some cases, the combined use of drugs that both exert serotonergic action can lead toserotonin syndrome.
This is the toxic accumulation of serotonin that can trigger a cascade of potentially dangerous physical and psychiatric symptoms.
This can be avoided by graduallytapering the dose, preferably under the direction of a medical professional.
Antidepressants should be used with extreme caution in children, teens, and younger adults.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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