Antidepressants are a type of drug that helps relieve the symptoms of depression by slowing the release of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. A variety of neurotransmitters may be responsible for these symptoms; serotonin and norepinephrine are the most commonly cited for them. A variety of antidepressants exist, all of which are categorized into groups depending on the neurotransmitters they affect. Familiarizing yourself with these groups of drugs may help you choose the best course of treatment.
SSRIs
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are generally the first type of antidepressants prescribed because of their effectiveness and tolerable side effects. The antidepressants belonging to this family include citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline.
While SSRIs may have fewer side effects than other antidepressants, the American Academy of Family Physicians states that the most common side effects include nausea, insomnia, headache, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth and nervousness.
SNRIs
SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are considered a newer class of antidepressants, according to HealthyPlace.com. They work on both serotonin and norepinephrine, re-establishing a healthy balance of these chemicals in the brain. The drugs included in this class of antidepressants include duloxetine and venlafaxine.
The most common side effects associated with SNRIs include nausea, anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia, headaches, nervousness and fatigue.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants were once the first medication of choice when it came to battling depression. The first tricyclic, imipramine, was released in 1958. Tricyclics are now reserved for patients whose depression does not improve with SSRIs or SNRIs or due to the side effects that accompany them. Besides imipramine, some of the more common tricyclics include doxepin, desipramine and nortriptyline .
Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include dry mouth, constipation, worsening of glaucoma, blurred vision, problems urinating and fatigue, which impairs your ability to think clearly.
MAOIs
Better known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, this class of antidepressants are used the least. They work by preventing the enzyme monoamine oxidase from destroying some neurotransmitters, according to the Mayo Clinic, thus causing an increase in serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. The most common MAOIs include phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
MAOIs produce more-serious side effects than other antidepressants. These side effects include weakness, tremors, dizziness and headaches. The real danger may come when you combine MAOIs with another antidepressant or an over-the-counter cold and flu medication.
