Useful Information

Useful Information

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Anti Depressants

Antidepressants are drugs that treat the symptoms of depression.

There are three main types of antidepressant:

  • selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs),

  • tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and related drugs, and

  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

There are also other drugs that do not fall into these categories.

Antidepressants work by changing the level of certain chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. Normally, these chemicals pass signals from one brain cell to another, but in depression, some of them do not work properly. Antidepressants increase the level of active neurotransmitters.

Treatment with antidepressants usually starts with a TCA or SSRI. It takes about 2-3 weeks for the drugs to start working, and 4-6 weeks for them to fully take effect. If you are elderly, it may take longer for antidepressants to start working, and up to eight weeks for them to work fully.

Antidepressants are taken for a range of different conditions, including:

  • Moderate to severe depression.

  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks.

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

  • Chronic (long-term) pain.

  • Eating disorders.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • Antidepressants can cause some side effects, including drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting. However, this usually settles down as you get used to the drug.

Antidepressants often have to be taken for a long time, and it is important to come off them slowly to prevent side effects.