Antidepressant medication has made a positive difference in many people’s lives, but with all of the different types and brands out there, it’s common to feel unsure of what to expect or even how they work to provide relief. This article will discuss what antidepressants doctors typically prescribe their patients so that you can have a better idea of what they entail.
1. Selective-Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
SSRI antidepressants are by far the most commonly used ones and work by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the body by preventing its absorption or reuptake.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that is connected to our mood, appetite, sleep, and other essential functions in our body. It is believed that many cases of major depressive disorder are correlated with a lack of serotonin, and by treating it with SSRIs, people can find symptomatic relief.
SSRIs can also be used to help treat anxiety disorders, and some brands and their chemical names that belong in this category of antidepressants include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Celexa (citalopram).
2. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)
As you can probably guess by the name, SNRIs are similar to SSRIs, except that it also includes norepinephrine, which is another neurotransmitter connected to depression if it gets too low in the body.
Many people might wonder why SSRIs are prescribed more often if SNRIs can target more than one type of neurotransmitter, and while it’s true that SNRIs can be very potent or effective, they also come with more unwanted side effects, particularly ones that are associated with an increase of norepinephrine like hyperactivity, agitation, sweating, and headaches.
Although they come with an increased risk of side effects, SNRIs are considered safe options. Some examples of SNRI medication are Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine).
Other Types of Antidepressants
Usually, if these previous two types of antidepressants aren’t effective, there are still a few other kinds available that can be prescribed, which include:
- Atypical Antidepressants
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Though these are often prescribed as a second-line treatment strategy, they are known to be effective for a lot of treatment-resistant people. However, these too can also come with additional risks and side effects.
To learn more about antidepressants, consult with your primary care doctor or psychiatrist, who can give you more information and help you find the right kind for you.
Although people often see improvements with the first medication they’re prescribed, sometimes treating depression and anxiety can be a trial-and-error process. Therefore, it’s ideal to be in touch with your doctor if the medication isn’t working during its expected time frame or you have too many side effects.
Additionally, you can find more in-depth articles about antidepressant medication, especially SSRIs and their management, by visiting BetterHelp. Here, you’ll also be able to learn about other interesting neurotransmitters that can affect your health and wellbeing, like dopamine and oxytocin.
Conclusion
Taking medication for mental health purposes for the first time can be nerve-wracking for a lot of people, particularly if they’re unsure of how they work and how their bodies will respond to it. Rest assured, though, although everything can come with risks, modern-day antidepressants are considered safe if appropriately consumed under your doctor’s care and supervision.
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