Depression is a major medical illness that can be treated with many different types of medications, including drugs that affect dopamine. Not everyone will react the same way to different medications, and your doctor will work with you to find the treatment that works for you and alleviates your depression. If you have major depression, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. Do not take any depression medication that your doctor has not prescribed for you.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a medical illness that is thought to be caused by a variety of components, according to MayoClinic.com. Chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, may play a role in this illness. Hormones, life events and biological changes are also thought to be triggers for depression. Depression can affect the body and mind, and can have debilitating effects on daily activities. Treatment typically involves a combination of counseling and medication, and there are various kinds of antidepressants, including dopamine reuptake inhibitors.
What Are Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors?
Dopamine reuptake inhibitors are often called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, or NDRIs. These drugs affect two kinds of neurotransmitters that are thought to be involved in causing depression. These medications prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, allowing levels of available neurotransmitters to increase, boosting an individual's mood. According to the website Antidepressants Online, buproprion, the generic form of Wellbutrin, is the only approved NDRI currently available.
Side Effects
Side effects of the NDRI buproprion can vary, and not everyone will have every side effect. Common side effects include headache, insomnia, changes in your appetite, tremors, dry mouth, constipation and loss of libido. Call your doctor immediately if you start to have more serious side effects, such as a seizure; severe blistering; or rash, confusion or hallucinations. Tell your doctor if you have any thoughts of suicide or harming others. During the first few months of taking this medication for your depression, your doctor will monitor you to see if the drug is effective.
Warnings
Individuals with a seizure disorder or an eating disorder or who have recently stopped taking a sedative should not use buproprion, states Drugs.com. Individuals with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease or bipolar disorder may need to have their dosages adjusted by a health care professional. If you are interested in using this NDRI, talk with your doctor about it, to see if it is safe and appropriate for your depression. Depression can be treated; you do not have to deal with it by yourself.
