A Primer on Antidepressants

There are an array of antidepressant medications for treating depression and illness wherein depression is its constituent like in bipolar disorder. Antidepressants help in improving depressive signs by augmenting the accessibility of particular brain chemical forms known as neurotransmitter that is considered to assist in improving emotions.

Chief forms of antidepressants comprise of:

• TCA or Tricyclic Antidepressant Drugs
  These are a few of the foremost available antidepressant medicines utilised for treating depression. They essentially have an effect on the levels of duo neurotransmitters, namely norepinephrine and serotonin present in the brain. Though these drugs are effectual, but have accompanying added side effects like oral dryness, blurry eyesight, day stupor, weight increase, muscular twitches, being constipated, bladder issues like urine withholding, giddiness, palpitations and sexual issues.Drug Names – Elavil, Anafranil, Adapin, Aventyl, Tofranil.
• MAOI or Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
  This is one more type of antidepressant drug that was earlier available, having greater efficacy among those not responding to other forms of therapies and beneficial in other kinds of mental sickness. Matter present in particular food items like aging cheeses, wines, beers, other alcoholic drinks, avocado, curd, tinned meat, banana, soy, soured cream-based foods, soup that has undergone packaging and some medicines could react with MAOI, hence all those on the course of these drugs should strictly follow dietetic restraints. MAOI raise the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, though associated grave side effects experienced are headaches, palpitation, chest aches, neck rigidity, feeling nauseous and puking.Drug Names – Parnate, Nardil, Marplan.
• SSRI or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
  These comparatively novel types of antidepressants function by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Side effects felt are sexual issues inclusive of less libido or incapable of being orgasmic are widely noted though could be reversed, headache, feeling nauseous from the instant one ingests the dosage, sleeplessness, nervy.Drug Names – Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Zoloft, Paxil.
• SNRI or Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
  These are also a rather newer type of depression warding drug that work by raising serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Other Antidepressant Drugs

Wellbutrin
This antidepressant could raise levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Associated side effects include reduction in weight, lowered carving for food, feeling restless, sleeplessness, nervousness, feeling constipated, oral dryness, loose bowels and giddiness.

Cymbalta
This antidepressant drug raises amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Side effects include feeling drowsy, blurry eyesight, feeling lightheaded, unusual delusions, feeling constipated, fever or chilly sensations, headaches, lowered food craving, tremors, oral dryness and feeling nauseous. Even drugs like Remeron and Effexor have similar associated side effects, though Remeron could sedate the person whereas Cymbalta could raise perspiration and cause hypertension, weariness and low energy levels.

Trazodone
This form of antidepressant functions by blocking several neurotransmitters to a certain extent. Other drugs like Desyrel and Ludiomil have analogous functioning. Desyrel could lead to side effects like lethargy, weariness, trembling, headaches, oral dryness, feeling nauseous and puking. Side effects sensed with Ludiomil involve headaches, giddiness, oral dryness, weariness, day drowsiness, perspiration.