Anti-Depressant Medications
Anti-depressant medications are one method of treatment used for depression. They are a type of medication that regulates brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The most common types of neurotransmitters related with changing one’s mood and depression are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. There are different types of anti-depressant medications that affect neurotransmitters in specific ways. The most commom are: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).
Finding the right antidepressant medication can be easy if you communicate with your physician. Physicians usually prefer to “personalize” an anti-depressant medication depending on the patient’s history, exams, and personal needs (sleep, appetite, etc.).
It is known that about 60 to 70 percent of patients show a response (positive or negative) to anti-depressant medications. It usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks for patients to feel an actual change and effect on their lives. Although many begin to feel better, anti-depressant medications should continue to be taken.
With taking anti-depressant medications comes the responsibility of dealing with their side effects. Most people who take anti-depressant medications usually experience at least one side effect. These side effects may include: headaches, nausea, agitation, sexual problems, constipation, night sweats, or dry mouth. Although side effects can be frustrating, talking to your physician before you decide to stop taking an anti-depressant medications is the best option.
References:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm095980.htm