Almost all of us experience changes in our moods in routine life. Sometimes you feel happy and energetic while sometimes you feel sad, lethargic, and irritable. Fortunately, these mood changes do not last long and you can easily focus on your daily routine. However, there are times when prolonged periods of sadness and irritability reduce our interest in routine activities that’s what is called depression. In this situation, antidepressant drugs are suggested to treat major depressive disorders. Before taking any antidepressant, it is best to understand antidepressants pharmacology to get the best results.

What are Antidepressants & their Pharmacology?

They are basically drugs suggested to treat and cure major depressive disorders. Besides treating clinical depression, antidepressants are also suggested to treat certain conditions including:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
  • Eating disorders (bulimia)
  • Insomnia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Long-term chronic pain

When it comes to antidepressants pharmacology, they work by enhancing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the human brain. Serotonin and noradrenaline are neurotransmitters associated with emotions and mood. It is important to know that antidepressants are used to treat the symptoms of depression therefore, they do not always treat its reason. This is why antidepressants are mostly suggested as combination therapy to cure severe mental health issues and depression. Here are the names of a few common antidepressants:

  • Citalopram
  • Escitalopram
  • Fluoxetine
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Paroxetine
  • Sertraline
  • Venlafaxine
  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Duloxetine
  • Levomilnacipran
  • Amitriptyline
  • Amoxapine
  • Clomipramine
  • Desipramine
  • Doxepin
  • Imipramine
  • Maprotiline
  • Nortriptyline
  • Protriptyline
  • Isocarboxazid
  • Phenelzine
  • Tranylcypromine
  • Selegiline
  • Bupropion
  • Mirtazapine
  • Trazodone
  • Nefazodone
  • Vilazodone
  • Vortioxetine

Different Types of Antidepressants

Several kinds of antidepressants are available in the market but you must take the one which is suggested by your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure effective results.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

These are widely prescribed antidepressants.

These types of antidepressants come with fewer side effects than others.

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a good example of an SSRI in addition to citalopram and paroxetine.

Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

They are similar to SSRIs and are effective to treat depression issues.

They are also suggested to treat anxiety issues and chronic pain.

Duloxetine and venlafaxine are good examples of SNRIs.

Noradrenaline & Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants (NASSAs)

  • They are suggested for people who cannot take SSRIs.
  • These psychiatric drugs enhance the effectiveness of neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for mood regulation.
  • Mirtazapine and aptazapine are examples of NASSAs.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

  • They are old-type antidepressants.
  • These types of antidepressants are not recommended as the first-time treatment of depression due to the dangers associated with overdose.
  • TCAs have more side effects in comparison with SSRIs and SNRIs.
  • They are also suggested to treat other mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and OCD.
  • Clomipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, and imipramine are a few instances of TCAs.

Serotonin Antagonists & Reuptake Inhibitors (SARIs)

  • These antidepressants are also not first-choice medicines to treat depression.
  • SARIs are only suggested when other antidepressants cause side effects or do not work well.
  • Trazodone can be taken as a good example of SARI.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • They are rarely suggested today.
  • They can cause serious side effects so only specialized doctors can prescribe them.
  • Phenelzine, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine are a few MAOIs.

Conclusion

Antidepressants are recommended to treat depression and anxiety issues. They enhance the effectiveness of norepinephrine or dopamine or serotonin in the human brain. You must be well aware of the antidepressants pharmacology to avoid side effects and interactions. In case of any ambiguity regarding your medication, discuss it with your doctor in detail. You can also access antidepressants online from SuperMeds by following a simple procedure. Thus, reduce your stress of buying your medicine by going outside and placing your order online to get it at your doorstep.