Antidepressants are prescribed medications that are used when a person suffers from depression. Doctors prescribe these medicines according to the level of depression that the person suffers from. Small doses of medicines are given to those who exhibit mild symptoms of depression. In case a person has been suffering from major depression, for a long time, the dose of the medicines is increased accordingly. In this article, we have given information about the common types of antidepressants.
Common Types Of Antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - SSRIs are the latest type of anti-depressants available in the market. As the name suggests, SSRIs work in a selective way. Their prime focus is a neurotransmitter located in the brain serotonin. Selective Serotonin Reuptake is the medication most opted for treating depression, as it is associated with the least side effects, which are limited to headaches and sexual problems.
Tricyclics (TCAs)
Tricyclics are used if a person has been suffering from major depression for a long time. It is a chemical composition, which is not used for neurotransmitter. The side effects associated with the use of this antidepressant include those related to the consumption of SSRIs. While using TCAs, a person may encounter sexual dysfunction, blurred vision, dry mouth or intestinal problems.
Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Also known as monoamines, MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) is the first antidepressant developed to treat depression. This antidepressant provides relief to the depressed patient by breaking down the brain chemical neurotransmitter, which is responsible for mood swings. MAOI serves as the last resort, when other medications, like tricyclics and SSRIs, fail to cure depression. MAOI is named for its functionality - blocking or inhibiting brain monoamineoxidase.
