Anti-depressants explained

As depression is a brain disorder, it is not surprising that medications can effectively treat the symptoms of depression. At present there are several medication types used to treat depression and anxiety. In the past, they were all called anti-depressants, but as we have found that drugs that were originally used for depression are effective for other conditions modern medicine tends to call them by their function in the body or chemical category and the term anti-depressant is not used as often.

The medications used to treat depression are selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs increase the amount of serotonin between the brain cells and thereby improve the symptoms of depression. Serotonin is a chemical used by brain cells (neurons) to transmit signals within and outside the brain. It has been found that people with depression or anxiety have low levels of serotonin in their brains, hence the use of drugs that increase serotonin in the brain. Regulating serotonin in the brain stabilizes the areas of the brain that regulate mood thus eradicating depression. Drugs in this class include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Laxapro, Luvox and others.

There is another class of drugs that increases both serotonin and norepinephrine (another chemical that the brain uses to transmit signals). These medicines function similarly to those of serotonin reuptake and are equally effective. Examples of these drugs are Effexor, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.

There are also the tricyclic drugs, which are drugs which regulate both norepinephrine and serotonin. They were developed several years ago but are not as often used because they tend to cause more side effects compared to the newer medications. Examples of these medications include imipramine, nortriptyline and amitriptyline.

There are also medications that when added to an anti-depressant enhance its effect. This is specially useful in people who have only partially responded to treatment with an anti-depressant. Adding one of these medicines can help the person achieve complete remission of depressive symptoms. This method is called an augmentation strategy. Common medicines used for augmentation include lithium, buspirone, Seroquel, Abilify, and others.

There are many other medications that work in different ways in the brain to combat depression. It is noteworthy that all the drugs mentioned above are generally very safe and effective. None of them is addictive. The purpose of the drugs is that the person feel better, without feeling sedated, and can recover the ability to function normally.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Douglas J. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

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