What are antidepressants?
Antidepressants are drugs stabilizing mood used to treat various conditions, including medium to severe depressive disorders, anxiety attacks and post -traumatic stress disorders. The antidepressants, which were first discovered in the early 1950s, have become an effective tool in combating depression and other disorders. Antidepressants were first discovered by accident when a medicine called iProniazide, originally developed to treat tuberculosis, was found to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Although scientists are still not sure what causes depression, it has been believed that some neurotransmitters - chemicals that transmit reports between brain cells - significantly affect human mood. Antidepressants work by increasing the activity of these neurotransmitters.
Today, four main types of antidepressants are used. The earliest medicines stabilizing mood belonged to a group of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Maoi). Maois works by stopping breakdown monoamine neurotransmitters, thereby increasing quantitythumb of these chemicals present in the body. Maois, usually prescribed for depression and social anxiety, can cause very serious interactions with drugs and food. Due to their dangerous nature, these drugs are usually prescribed only for patients who have not responded to other treatment. TCA cause less side effects than Maois and have therefore been a preferred method of treatment for many years. TCA are also effective for the treatment of chronic pain such as neuralgia. However, they are dangerous in overdose and are largely replaced by newer drugs.
Today is the most prescribed antidepressants to a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). The SSRIS basically works very much by maintaining a larger amount of serotonin neurovel in the areas of the brain receptor, allowing the brain to better use serotonin. It is generally believed that serotonin directly affects the mood, so maintainedPatients can experience an improved mood in the place where the body can use it.
The latest main group of antidepressants used today belongs to the inhibitors of the reuptake of serotonin-norepinephrine (SNRIS). SNRIS works more or less in the same way as SSRIS, in addition to affecting the way the brain uses neurotransmitter Norepinephrine and serotonin. SSRIS and SNRIS are generally safer than Maois and TCA, causing less side effects and drug interactions.
Some common side effects caused by antidepressants include dry mouth, drowsiness, changes in appetite and increased feelings of depression and anxiety. However, many of these symptoms decrease after the body adapts to the drug. Antidepressants can also cause sexual side effects, such as libido and erectile dysfunction.
Because depression and other affective disorders may be related to situational causes and chemical imbalances, antidepressants are aboutBVYLY combined with psychotherapy to fight depression. As with any drug, it is important that patients only use antidepressants under the supervision of a doctor. Combined with therapy, it has been shown that mood stabilizers bring very effective results in depression patients.