Depression is a condition that affects a large part of society, and to deal with it, antidepressants are the most recommended and effective drugs. However, when we talk about antidepressants, we are including in this name a large number of very varied types of medications.
In this article, we will analyze the different types of antidepressants and what they are for; in this way, you will be able to better understand the varieties that we have at our disposal. However, these drugs always have to be taken under the supervision of a doctor, as their intake may have adverse effects that need to be controlled.
What are the different types of antidepressants?
You should know that, if antidepressant treatment is to begin, it may take some time to find the most suitable for each patient. And there are several different types in the market whose composition is designed for one type of effect or another.
Here, we analyze the most common types of antidepressants prescribed by doctors.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
They are the drugs that affect the release of serotonin, a hormone that our brain secretes and that helps us to feel greater pleasure and serenity. These drugs can cause some side effects, such as headaches, restlessness, nausea, or sleep problems.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
These antidepressants affect not only serotonin, but also norepinephrine, two brain hormones involved in our state of mind. They can cause some side effects such as nausea, anxiety, tiredness, constipation, or loss of appetite.
Tricyclic antidepressants
These drugs, as their name suggests, are involved in three brain chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. We are facing one of the most classic and old antidepressants that, today, are used to a lesser extent because they have strong side effects.
Due to the intensity of your action, these medications are not recommended in older people or people with other conditions. Some of the most common side effects are blurred vision, difficulty urinating, somewhat confusing thinking, fatigue, dry mouth, etc.
Atypical antidepressants
Among the types of antidepressants, some are called “atypical” because, as their name suggests, they are not the ones that are typically prescribed for depression, but they are usually used when the previous ones do not work. Depending on the drug in question you take, you may experience different effects such as nausea, fatigue, nervousness, etc.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
We end up with other types of antidepressants that are usually used, although, on this occasion, it is the last option that doctors offer. These drugs are prescribed when none of the above has worked; the reason for this is that they are medicines that generate serious side effects such as general tiredness, headaches, hallucinations, agitation, etc.
Although antidepressants are common medications to treat depression, the truth is that they should always be taken on a prescription and with thorough follow-up from a healthcare professional.
Bibliography
Heerlein, A. (2002). Antidepressant pharmacological treatments. Chilean journal of neuro-psychiatry, 40, 21-45.
Cáceres, J., & Osacar, B. Depression, antidepressants, and sexuality.
Apples Iribas, J., & Pita Calandre, E. (1992). Antidepressant drugs. Revista de la Asociación Española de Neuropsychiatry., 12(Supl. 1), 003-012.