How Antidepressants Help You
Antidepressants can be very helpful in treating the symptoms of depression. The human brain has more than 10 billion brain cells, each with thousands of connections with other cells. Messages that direct much of the body’s functions go through the brain using these connections. The signals are transmitted between cells using chemical called neurotransmitters. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that help to regulate emotions, moods and other body functions.
Serotonin is used in transmission and is then reabsorbed for use again. There is often a serotonin imbalance in people who suffer from depression. Sometimes the level of serotonin is too low and this impairs the ability of the cells to function and communicate properly or the absorption time may be impaired.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, commonly known as SSRIs, are prescription medications that are designed to help increase the amount of serotonin by blocking its reabsorption. This allows serotonin to build up in the cells and allows for normal communication to occur. When this happens, the symptoms of depression may improve or go away completely.
Common SSRIs include Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Celexa. These medications help to alleviate many of the symptoms of depression and help people who suffer from depression to function normally by restoring the chemical balance in the brain.
Anti-depression medications often work quite well. They should be looked at as a way to treat the disease rather than as a sign of weakness. Studies have shown that for adults with moderate to severe depression antidepressant medications are more effective than any other drug treatment. Even in mild depression, anti-depression medications may help improve symptoms quickly and easily than through therapy alone.
SSRIs may have some side effects, although usually fewer than other medications for depression. Some side effects include dry mouth, nausea, nervousness, insomnia and headaches. Always talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from a drug before taking it.
Other types of drugs used to treat depression are tricyclic antidepressants. Trycyclic antidepressants work on both the serotonin and on another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. The common brand names include Elavil, Norpramin, Tofranil and Aventyl. Side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, impaired thinking and tiredness. They can also affect heart rate and blood pressure. Discuss these with your doctor particularly if you already have any increased heart risks. Sometimes you may need to try several different medications until you find one that works well for you and does not cause you to have side effects.
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