Thursday, December 2, 2010

Depression Drugs - Everything You Need to Know

Although the nation has suffered from depression after the beginning of time, never before has there been so widespread as it is today. Since everyone is different, depression can occur in many different ways, and although some people only temporary mild depression, other severe depression, which can last for years. The depression itself, like many other diseases, should be addressed as soon as possible after diagnosis. It 's only when the condition is addressed, which can proceed to the point where it can be dangerous, not only the victim but also for those who are near them.

Today, it is virtually an infinite number of drugs, OTC and prescription, that are available to treat depression. Un-fortunately, most antidepressants are available only by prescription are extremely powerful, and some carry risk of sides effect. It is always advisable to discuss any questions you have with your doctor before starting these medications and, where appropriate, you should ask whether there are suitable alternatives.

prescription antidepressants have their own advantages and disadvantages and are divided into six different categories: 1. Novel antidepressants 2. monoamine oxidase inhibitors - MAOI 3. selective serotonin reuptake of serotonin - SSRIs 4. the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor - SNRI 5. Tricyclic Antidepressants - TCA 6. the tetracyclic antidepressants

A new drugs most commonly prescribed antidepressants in this category is bupropion, which is believed to be effective and efficient in inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Drugs monoamine this class work by inhibiting the reuptake of monoamine, which is essentially an enzyme responsible for metabolism of serotonin and adrenaline. But because of serious side effects, these drugs are not used to treat depression in patients with heart disease. Similarly, they can not be administered to persons with a history of liver disease. Many people tend to be hypersensitive to the ingredients and as like, this class of antidepressants avoided whenever possible.

Selective serotonin reuptake, inhibitors antidepressant studies in this class work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and is considered the safest prescription of antidepressants. Of course this is also why drugs in this class are the most commonly prescribed.

Norepinephine serotonin reuptake inhibitor, antidepressants in this class work in an attempt to correct the imbalance of serotonin and norepinephine. How-ever, many drugs in this class are known to interfere with sleep, as well as many other side effects such as constipation, urination, the blurred visions, drowsiness and lack of saliva. In addition, patients are also at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when going off the medication.

Tricyclic anti-depressants in this class should also work primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephine. One of the most remarkable differences between the TCA and SNRI, is that even if the possible side effects of drugs both very similar side effects experienced when taking drugs in this class are generally a little less serious.

The Tetracyclic antidepressants, mirtazapine and maprotiline are the two most common drugs in this class and both work by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine. Currently, both drugs are usually prescribed for treatment, suffering from depression and anxiety.

It is important to realize that virtually all antidepressant medications carry at least some risk of side effects, and as such it is always advisable to examine one of the natural resources in place. The prescription of antidepressants can lead to chemical dependency always be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.