|
|
|
What are antidepressants?
Antidepressants are drugs that are used to treat the symptoms
of depression and anxiety. They are also used in the treatment
of obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorders and bulimia
(anti-suppressant).
The body produces chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters,
among them are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. When the
body produces low levels of these chemicals, a chemical imbalance
occurs in the brain. Antidepressants alter the level and flow
of neurotransmitters across the neural synapses, reducing the
symptoms of depression.
Antidepressants are not classified as uppers or stimulants.
There are different classes of antidepressants, the most common
being Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRI's) and Trycyclics. Antidepressants
are classified by their action on the brain.
See Antidepressants by Drug Types below
for the classes of antidepressants drugs common in Australia,
Canada, the United Kingdom and The United States, along with their
generic drug names and their equivalent brand / trade Name .
Why do people take antidepressants ?
Doctors prescribe antidepressants to relieve symptoms of depression,
obsessive compulsive disorder and bulimia.
Types of antidepressants:
|
Antidepressants
by Drug Types
Drug name >>> brand
/ trade names
*** Names may differ by country ***
|
|
|
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors -
SSRI
|
| |
- Citalopram >> Celexa, Cipramil
- Escitalopram oxalate >> Lexapro
- Fluoxetine >> Prozac, Sarafem
- Fluvoxamine >> Faverin, Luvox
- Paroxetine >> Paxil, Seroxat
- Sertraline >> Lustral, Zoloft
- Trazodone >> Molipaxin, Desyrel
|
|
|
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake
Inhibitors - SNRI |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake
Inhibitor - NDRI
(Dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) |
| |
- Bupropion >> Wellbutrin, Zyban
|
|
|
Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake
Inhibitor - SNaRI |
| |
- Reboxetine >> Edronax, Vestra
(Currently unavailable in the United States [April 3, 2003])
|
|
|
Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake
Inhibitors - SARI |
| |
- Trazodone >> Desyrel
- Nefazodone >> Serzone (USA), Dutonin (UK)
|
|
|
Norepinephrine Antagonist Serotonin Antagonists
- NASA
|
| |
|
|
|
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
- MAOIs |
| |
- Isocarboxazid >> Marplan
- Phenelzine >> Nardil
- Tranylcypromine >>Parnate
|
|
|
Reversible Monoamine Oxidase
Inhibitors - RIMAs |
| |
- Brofaromine >> Experimental
- Moclobemide >> Mannerix
|
Antidepressants are also known as:
Amtrak, rainbows, blue devils, reds, yellows, yellow jackets
...
|
How are antidepressants taken?
|
|
Antidepressants are taken orally (pill or capsule) or injected
.
What are the possible effects of antidepressants
use ?
Effects related with antidepressant use vary
widely by drug type. Check specific drug type for further
information.
The following is but a short list of potential effects.
For example, if you take a SSRI with an MAOI, this could
result in a potentially serious or even fatal "serotonin
syndrome"
-
Serotonin syndrome is characterized by
fever, confusion, muscle rigidity, and cardiac, liver,
or kidney problems.
Chronic / long term use of antidepressants
may cause:
Research has yet to discover what the potential effects
of long term antidepressant use are.
|
|
What are the risks associated
with pregnancy and antidepressants use ?
|
|
Risks related with pregnancy and antidepressant use vary
widely by drug type. Check specific drug type for further information.
- MAOI types of antidepressants should not be used as they
are proven to be teratogenic, meaning that have the potential
to cause birth defects and long term neurobehavioural effects.
|
Symptoms of antidepressants overdose:
- Agitation, restlessness
- Blurred vision, dilated pupils
- Flushed red skin
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting
- Slowed labored breathing
- Irregular heartbeat, body temperature and low blood pressure
- Convulsions, uncoordinated, muscle rigidity
- Shock
- Coma
|
Withdrawal symptoms:
When discontinuing an antidepressant, tapering
off use into gradual withdrawal is generally advisable. Do not
quit "Cold Turkey". Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Drug-induced psychosis
- Upset stomach, flu like symptoms
- Dizzy spells
- Anxiety
- Depression, suicidal
- Interrupted sleep pattern
- Confusion, disorientation
- Aggression, violence
- Loss of conscious behavior
|
|
For further
information on antidepressants, we have included these links
:
|
|
Full text - Articles, booklets and fact sheets:
Web sites:
If you know of a good resource, feel free
to recommend it by sending
us a link and we will do our best to add it.
|
References:
|
|
- Forest University Baptist Medical Center "Antidepressants
Overdose" Best Health - Health Encyclopedia - Poison
Reference <http://www.wfubmc.edu/besthealth/ency/article/002511.htm
> [May 25, 2003]
- Gant, Charles , M.D., Ph.D. "Using Antidepressants
vs. Finding the Underlying Medical Causes of Depression"
Healthy Place.com Depression Community <http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Depression/treatment/alternative/antidepressants
_vs_causes.asp > [May 25, 2003]
- Karasu, T. Byram, M.D. et al. "Part A: Treatment
Recommendations for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder"
from Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients
With Major Depression. Revised April 2002. Amercian Psychiatric
Asociation - Clinical Resources < http://www.psych.org/clin_res/Depression2e.book-7.cfm
> [May 25, 2003]
- Lintner, Brenda, Dr. "Medical Methods of Treatment"
The SANE Mental Health Series
< http://www.sane.org.uk/public_html/About_Mental_Illness/Medical_Treatments.htm
> [May 26, 2003]
- National Institute of Mental Health. National Institute
of Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
"NIMH Medications" NIH Publication
No. 02-3929 Revised April 2002, Reprinted September 2002.
Medications. 4th edition.
<
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/medicate.cfm#ptdep7
> [March 20, 2003]
- "Quick Guide to Antidepressants" (2001) Saneline
: About Mental Illness
< http://www.sane.org.uk/About_Mental_Illness/Medical_Treatments.htm
> [May 26, 2003]
- The Royal College of Psychiatrists "Factsheets
- Antidepressants" (2002) The Royal College of Psychiatrists'
Website < http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/info/factsheets/pfacanti.htm
> [March 15, 2003]
|
For further information, check
out our Youth
Resources page.
|
|
