People who suffer from depression and other mental conditions such as anxiety and bipolar disorder take antidepressants to relieve the symptoms that prevent them from enjoying a full life. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, antidepressants influence brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, necessary for normal brain function, by making them more available to the brain.
Types
There are a number of different types of antidepressants. Doctors often experiment with the kind and dosage of medication to find the right prescription for individual patients. The most common drugs are selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Common brand names include Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. Tricyclics are older medications that include brands such as Elavil and Pamelor. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used when SSRIs are not effective and include brands such as Cymbalta and Effexor.
Effects
All antidepressants carry a risk of side effects. Most medications can cause dry mouth, nausea and fatigue. Patients who come to rely on antidepressants for their stability also can become dependent on the drugs, sometimes requiring increasingly larger doses to get the same responses. Other possible side effects include sexual dysfunctions, headaches and insomnia.
Alternatives
A line of antidepressants called momoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are available when traditional medication aren't effective. MAOIs can be prescribed in pill form under brands such as Nardil or Marplan and also are available in a skin patch called Emsam, the first transdermal delivery system made for antidepressant medication. Side effects of MAOIs tend to be more severe, which is one reason why they are reserved as an alternative treatment. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that patients taking MAOIs may experience drowsiness, low blood pressure and a decrease in urine output. People taking MAOIs also must maintain a strict diet, as the drug is known to have adverse reactions when taken with certain foods such as cheese, chocolates and some meat, that can result in strokes.
Considerations
Antidepressants can take anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks to work at their maximum efficiency. While the effectiveness increase starting at about 4 weeks and gradually increases, patients typically work more closely with a therapist to manage their symptoms during the initial period. Some patients require additional medication and may take a combination of drugs. Additionally, researchers at the Mayo Clinic recommend patients taking antidepressants continue with talk therapy while taking the medication to improve their chances of recovery.
Warning
According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, patients should be monitored for serious side effects while taking antidepressants, especially children and young adults up to the age of 24. There is an increased risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts in some patients, particularly in the first couple weeks of taking the medication. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take antidepressants, as they can harm the fetus.
