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Facts About Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressant drugs are used to treat psychological conditions that involve a chemical imbalance in the brain, such as depression, anxiety and stress. The drugs increase the amount of serotonin in the brain and when used properly can reduce the symptoms of the condition.

  1. SSRIs

    • SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are the more popular type of antidepressants. These pills block the amount of serotonin absorbed through receptors, which allows the nerve cells to absorb the serotonin.

    Trycyclics

    • Trycyclics control the amount of serotonin in the brain and nerve cells by limiting how much is absorbed into other parts of the body. This allows the nerve cells to absorb more and better regulate mood and behavior.

    MAOIs

    • MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are one of the oldest types of antidepressants. These pills limit the amount of inhibitors in the brain, which affect mood and temperament.

    Prescription

    • In most cases, before an antidepressant is prescribed, a person must have had symptoms that lasted 2 weeks or longer. These symptoms include changes in mood and behavior and eating and sleeping patterns.

    Time Frame

    • Antidepressants generally begin working within 3 to 5 weeks of the initial dosage. The drugs stay in the system for the same time frame once the individual stops taking the medication.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of antidepressants include changes in appetite, mood swings, constipation, diarrhea, fever, headache, muscle aches and general flu-like symptoms.

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