There Are 4 Main Types Of Anti-Depressants

Antidepressants are drugs used to treat the symptoms of depression. It was found out in 1950’s and now almost thirty different kinds of antidepressants are in use. Antidepressants are given to induce the brain chemicals called as neurotransmitters, by which mood of a person is regulated. Serotonin and Nor Adrenaline are two important brain chemicals involved in developing depression.

Bupropion is the commonly used anti-depressant.

The four main types of antidepressants include Tricyclics, Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and Noradrenaline and Specific Serotoninergic Antidepressants (NASSAs). Antidepressants are used to treat moderate to severe depressive disorders, chronic pain, extreme anxiety and panic attacks, eating disorders caused by depression and stress caused after traumatic conditions. It must be taken minimum of three months to have good results.  The newer antidepressants tablets like SSRIs are found to produce lower side effects. They are also found to be not so dangerous if some one takes a high dose when compared to the older forms like Tricyclics.

The side effects produced depends on the drug administrated. In case of Tricyclics dry mouth, mild tremor, rapid heart beat, constipation and weight gain are symptoms noted. While taking SSRIs some feels sick, anxious, indigestion problem are observed. In case of SNRIs, the side effects are similar to SSRIs, along without sometimes it increases the blood pressure. MAOIs cause tremendous increase in blood pressure in which case doctor advices to avoid certain foods.

Since antidepressants cause sickness, tiredness and drowsiness, persons those who are under medications are said to be careful while operating any machinery, driving cars, social parties etc. When stopping the drugs after prolonged periods it will lead to withdrawal symptoms which are very mild. It was studied that taking antidepressants drugs will increase the thoughts of suicides. These drugs are prescribed only for the people above the age 18.