The most common antidepressants
Antidepressants - help with depression
Every person suffers now and then under a depression. However, if the sadness does not subside and you feel drunk and listless for a long time, it is most likely a depression. The dejection is then so great that those affected can no longer master their everyday lives. In these cases, antidepressants, along with supportive psychotherapy, can help control the mental illness.
Effect of antidepressants on the brain
It is assumed that the messengers serotonin and norepinephrine no longer work as usual in depressed people. These hormones act as information carriers between the cells and are responsible for the mood. An antidepressant has a targeted effect on the mood hormones: Depending on the active ingredient, antidepressants have a different effect. Some ensure that the messenger substances stay longer in the corresponding brain region. Others cause increased release of messenger substances or block the breakdown of feel-good hormones.
Long-term therapy
Although the different antidepressants have different effects on the neurotransmitters of the brain, all have in common that they only develop their full effect after several weeks. The duration of the application must be considered individually, as the drugs work differently in each person. Some patients only need to take antidepressants for a few months. In other cases, the therapy may take several years. The good news: unlike tranquilizers and sleeping pills, antidepressants are not addictive. Nevertheless, the drugs should not be stopped abruptly, because even if they are not physically dependent, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. If the medication is stopped too quickly, fatigue, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, and flu-like symptoms can all be the result. Therefore, a weaning should be done very slowly and only under medical supervision.
The most common antidepressants
There is now an almost endless list of antidepressants. The most prescribed include tricyclic antidepressants (TZA) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In the case of herbal antidepressants, which are available without a prescription, St. John's wort is especially effective against depression.
Tricyclic antidepressants - the old method
Tricyclic antidepressants (TZAs) are the oldest mood-enhancing drugs and have been used since the 1950s. The psychotropic drugs intervene in several messenger systems. Among other things, they block the recovery of mood hormones in their memory, but have other areas of impact. TCAs can stabilize the mental state: they raise the mood, promote drive, release fears and reduce anxiety. However, the list of unwanted side effects is long due to the large area of effect. It is particularly common for patients to experience extreme tiredness, dry mouth, constipation, tremors and weight gain after taking TZA. However, due to its good efficacy, tricyclic antidepressants are mainly prescribed for very severe depression. They can also help with other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
SSRI - the modern version
Only since the late 1980s, a new variant of antidepressants is used: serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Unlike TZA, this form of antidepressant medication specifically targets the happiness hormone serotonin. SSRIs ensure that the reuptake of the messenger substance is prevented, allowing more serotonin available.
Increasing the level of serotonin brightens mood, counteracts listlessness and helps to combat anxiety. Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder may also be treated with SSRI. Because serotonin reuptake inhibitors have only a specific range of action, they cause fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. However, taking SSRIs can lead to sexual dysfunction, nausea, weight gain and headaches.
Natural antidepressants
St. John's Wort has proven to be particularly effective among the plant's mood boosters. The natural antidepressant ensures that the messengers serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are increased. In mild to moderate depression, taking St. John's wort can therefore help. However, even if the herbal antidepressant is freely available for sale, it should be discussed with a doctor before therapy, since St. John's wort has numerous interactions with other drugs and even affects the effectiveness of birth control pills.
