1. Types of Antidepressants
Antidepressants work by affecting three different molecules in the brain that play a role in mood regulation. These chemicals, or monoamines, are called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Each antidepressant medication is classified according to how it reacts with these chemicals. Chances are the medication that you are prescribed for depression will fall into the category of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). These medications are relatively new and work by affecting serotonin only. The chemical norepinephrine is affected indirectly, however, through the increased delivery of serotonin to the brain.
If your depression doesn't respond well to the SSRI medication, or your doctor thinks you'll progress better with a different class of medications, he or she may prescribe you a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) or tricycle. These were some of the first drugs created for mental illnesses, and while effective, they do have a number of side effects. This is especially true of MAOIs, which interact negatively with a variety of foods, beverages and medications. This makes it necessary for patients who take MAOIs to follow a strict diet while undergoing treatment.
2. How Antidepressants Work
While depression is classified as a mental illness, oftentimes it is a physical problem that causes the symptoms. Many types of mental illnesses, including depression and bipolar disorder, are caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain. There are a few reasons why this might occur, including a decreased production of the chemical, a reduced number of receptor sites in the brain to receive serotonin, or too few molecules in the brain to produce serotonin.
When there is a problem with serotonin production, the brain doesn't receive enough of the chemical to function normally. Oftentimes, this leads to depression and requires a combination of therapy and medication to treat.
3. Long Term Use of Antidepressants
Unfortunately, there is no medicinal cure for depression. Antidepressant drugs do an effective job of treating the symptoms, but patients will often relapse after treatment ends unless they receive regular psychological counseling. If you are taking antidepressants or considering treatment options, it is important to discuss your long-term goals for managing your depression. With a combination of medication and therapy, you may be able to achieve a full recovery without the need for long-term antidepressant use.
