Depression; It is a disease in which emotions such as sadness, depression and hopelessness are experienced so intensely that they affect daily life. In the normal course of life, there may be times when everyone is in a lower emotional state. However, depression is characterized by the persistence of many of these conditions for a long time.
What is an antidepressant?
Depression affects the brain and causes changes in the functioning of the brain. Antidepressant drugs change the balance of substances called neurotransmitters in the brain that enable communication between nerve cells. In this way, it aims at the healthy functioning of the brain. There are many different answers to the question 'What does an antidepressant do?'.
Antidepressants; Although it is mainly used in the treatment of depression, it can also be used in the treatment of many ailments such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Antidepressant drugs can be of different types according to their effects on the brain. Each type has its own specific effects and side effects known as 'antidepressant harms'. It may take some time for the doctor and patient to determine the type of medication that is most suitable for the patient. By trying several medications, the patient can determine the treatment that best meets their needs. The use of the determined drug in the way and for the time recommended by the doctor; Provides alleviation or elimination of the symptoms of depression. The antidepressant used may begin to take effect in the first week or immediately after. Positive effects are observed on the mood, productivity and quality of life of the person.
What are the Antidepressant Types?
Antidepressant group drugs are divided into certain groups according to their effects on the brain.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in many different events. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that provide communication between cells in the body. It is released from a cell and shows its effects by being taken into the cell by the recipient cell. Serotonin also acts through this mechanism. The serotonin released from the donor cell is taken back by the cell from which it was released after a certain period of time.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) prevent this reuptake and help the recipient cell take up more serotonin. low serotonin SSRIs help to correct depression by increasing the amount of serotonin that the receptor cell can reach. SSRI group drugs; are drugs containing the active ingredient citalopram, escitalopram, and paroxetine. In addition to depression, this group of drugs is used in the treatment of conditions such as
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic attack
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue, weakness
- Dryness in the mouth
- Sexual problems.
Serotonin- Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
It is a drug group that stops the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. In this way, the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine that the recipient cell can reach increases. Drugs containing the active ingredient desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran; It belongs to the group of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). >
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Weakness, fatigue
- Sexual problems, etc.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic group (TCA) is one of the oldest groups among antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants; Just like SSRI and SNRI group drugs, it increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels. In addition to this effect, acetylcholine It causes a decrease in the effects of another neurotransmitter. This effect on acetylcholine can lead to serious side effects in drug use. For this reason, tricyclic antidepressants are used in people who do not benefit from SSRI and SNRI group drugs. Medicines containing the active ingredient amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline belong to this group. In addition to tricycline antidepressants:
- Nerve damage due to shingles or diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety
- Migraine
- Used in the treatment of problems such as incontinence in children.
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dryness in the mouth
- Digestive system disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Sexual problems
- Difficulty voiding
- Weight gain
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating can be listed as.
- Panic attack
- Anxiety disorder
- Parkinson's disease.
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight gain
- Confusion of consciousness
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Sexual problems
Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors
Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARI), like other groups, increase the level of serotonin. However, the mechanism of action of this drug in the brain is different. Trazodone and nefazodone are in this group. This group of drugs, also known as serotonin modulators:
- Panic attack
- Can also be used in the treatment of anxiety disorder.
Other Antidepressants
There are many different types of antidepressants such as bupropion, mirtazapine, vilazodone. Although these drugs cause similar effects to other groups, they show their effects in different ways. Each drug has its own side effects and the side effects are largely similar to the side effects of other groups.
What Should Be Considered While Using Antidepressants?
Antidepressants are used to reduce the symptoms caused by depression. If the antidepressant used does not relieve symptoms or if the side effects of the drug bother the person, a different drug can be tried. In addition to symptoms and side effects, factors such as the general health status of the person, other drugs used, pregnancy or breastfeeding status are also effective in choosing the appropriate medication for the person.
Antidepressant effects begin to be seen within a few weeks after the drug is started to be used. However, it may take some more time to see the full effect of the drug. Therefore, patience should be used in the use of antidepressants. The drug should be used regularly as prescribed by the doctor. Although alcohol seems to reduce the symptoms of depression, it makes the situation worse in the long run. For this reason, it is not recommended to use antidepressants and alcohol together.
Depression is a serious condition that can lead a person to suicidal thoughts if left untreated. It is very important for a person with depressive symptoms to consult a psychiatrist, be diagnosed with depression, and receive appropriate treatment. . Antidepressant use; It helps to elevate one's mood, increase concentration and productivity. It can also contribute to the reduction of the problems experienced by the person in relationships. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
Read: 18
