antidepressants guide

Common Anti Depressant and Their Side Effects.

General Anxiety, Healing, This Gives Me Anxiety By Nov 17, 2024 No Comments

Depression Can Be Dangerous If Left Untreated

Research has shown that depression is linked to various health conditions, such as obesity, chronic liver disease, and even heart failure. Moreover, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. One common treatment prescribed by doctors to manage depression is antidepressants.

What are the most frequently used antidepressants, and do they have side effects?

Antidepressants work by balancing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which influence mood and emotions. These medications can improve appetite, concentration, mood, and sleep. However, their mechanisms vary depending on the type of antidepressant.

Here are some commonly used types of antidepressants:


1. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in nerve cells.

  • Norepinephrine in the brain’s nervous system helps spark interest in external stimuli, motivating action. This makes SNRIs more effective than SSRIs, which only focus on serotonin.
  • Examples: Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), Reboxetine (Edronax), and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
  • Side effects: Headache, nausea, vomiting, nightmares, insomnia, trembling, anxiety, constipation, excessive sweating, and sexual dysfunction.

2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with happiness. People with depression often have low serotonin levels. SSRIs are prescribed for moderate to severe depression.

  • How they work: SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin by nerve cells, increasing its concentration and improving mood.
  • Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Lovan/Prozac), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Citalopram (Cipramil), and Paroxetine (Aropax).
  • Side effects: Dry mouth, seizures, drowsiness, nervousness, hallucinations, sexual dysfunction, anorexia, itching, rash, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vision issues, and urinary problems.
  • SSRIs are not recommended during manic episodes.

3. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

MAOIs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down epinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine—neurotransmitters that promote happiness.

  • Examples: Phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), and Isocarboxazid (Marplan). These are often prescribed when other antidepressants fail.
  • Dietary interactions: Avoid certain foods like wine, cheese, and pickles to prevent adverse effects.
  • Side effects: Dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness, weight gain, blood pressure changes, and fluid retention, leading to swollen feet or ankles.

4. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

TCAs inhibit the reabsorption of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, allowing them to remain active longer.

  • Examples: Dosulepin (Prothiaden/Dothep), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Amitriptyline (Endep), Nortriptyline (Allegron), Doxepin (Deptran), and Imipramine (Tofranil).
  • Side effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, sweating, constipation, irregular heartbeats, and heart block (especially with amitriptyline).
  • Starting with low doses and gradually increasing them reduces risks, especially in older adults.

5. Noradrenaline and Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants (NASSAs)

NASSAs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels, helping regulate mood, emotions, appetite, and sleep.

  • Example: Mirtazapine (Avanza).
  • Side effects: Dizziness, flu-like symptoms, drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, and increased appetite.

general antidepressants strategies

Combining Medication with Therapy and a Healthy Lifestyle

Antidepressants are often the first line of treatment for depression, but they don’t work overnight. It may take 3–4 weeks or longer to see improvements.

To enhance effectiveness, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Doctors may also recommend psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, especially for moderate to severe depression.

Healthy eating and regular exercise complement medical treatments. Exercise not only boosts mood but also lowers blood pressure, protects against heart disease and cancer, and improves self-confidence.


Understanding Depression

Depression is not a sign of weakness, a character flaw, or something that fades quickly. It is a real mental health condition requiring consistent and ongoing medical treatment to achieve recovery.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional with any questions or concerns regarding your health. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have read here.

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