In 2002, 8.5 percent of the US civilian noninstitutionalized population had purchased at least one prescription Antidepressant. The currently available classes of Antidepressants include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), novel Antidepressants, and tetracyclic Antidepressants.
MAOIs act by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, a complex enzyme system that metabolizes excess serotonin and epinephrine. It holds the potential of inducing potential life-threatening problems, and therefore cannot be used in patients with congestive cardiac failure or in those with a history of liver disease. It is dangerous to those who are hypersensitive to its ingredients. The important drugs of this class include isocarboxazid (Marplan), moclobemide (Aurorix, Manerix, Moclodura), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), levo-deprenyl (Selegiline, Eldepryl), and harmala.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) act mainly by inhibiting the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin. Though the type of side effects experienced by the patient due to TCAs or MAOIs are many times similar, the frequency of these side effects is much less in the case of TCAs. Thus, TCAs enjoy a better rate of acceptance by the patients. The TCAs of interest in the treatment of depression include amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Tryptanol), amoxapine (Asendin, Asendis, Defanyl, Demolox, Moxadil), clomipramine (Anafranil) desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane), dothiepin hydrochloride (Thaden, Prothiaden), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipamine (Tofranil), Iofepramine (Lomont, Gamanil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and triimipramine (Surmontil).
The SSRIs act by inhibiting the serotonin reuptake, and are considered the most popular, effective and safe prescription medications. The SSRIs used to treat depression include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR), and sertraline (Zoloft). Prozac, a drug of this class, has shown significant success in the treatment of depression and prevention of suicide. It exhibits less potential side effects as compared to TCAs and MAOIs, and is well tolerated.
The currently available SNRIs (desipramine, duloxetine, nefazodone, and venlafaxine) keep both serotonin and norepinephrine at the right level to alleviate depressive symptoms. Nefazodone alleviates anxiety, causes some sedation and positively affects sleep. Venlafaxine (Effexor) has significant anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy, and constipation), induces sedation and has potential withdrawal effects.
The drug bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) is the most commonly used member of the novel Antidepressant class. It is unique in its efficiency to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Maprotiline (Ludiomil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) are the two main drugs from the group of tetracyclic Antidepressant. Mirtazapine acts by increasing the amount of noradrenaline and serotonin, and is of benefit in particular for the treatment of depression accompanied with anxiety, agitation and /or sleep disturbances.
The natural Antidepressants that impress their effectiveness on experts include St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine), and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). Other natural Antidepressants that are in need of research-based studies to prove their efficacy, safety and usability in the treatment of depression include herbs (Ginseng and Ginko), amino acids (l-tyrosine and phenylalanine), and certain nutrients, including B vitamins.
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Antidepressant Comparisons
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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MAOIs act by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, a complex enzyme system that metabolizes excess serotonin and epinephrine. It holds the negativity of inducing potential life-threatening problems and therefore cannot be used in patients with congestive cardiac failure or in those with a history of liver disease....
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Antidepressant Medications
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The currently available classes of Antidepressants include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), novel Antidepressants, and tetracyclic Antidepressants. MAOIs act by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, a complex enzyme system that metabolizes excess serotonin and epinephrine. It...
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New Antidepressants
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The SSRIs act by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, and are considered the most popular, effective and safe prescription medications. The new prescription SSRIs used to treat depression include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR), and sertraline (Zoloft). Citalopram,...
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Depression Medication
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Clinical depression is a condition of grief, dreariness, or anguish that disturbs an individual’s societal performance and actions of daily life. Clinical depression is a medical diagnosis and hence needs to be treated with medication. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are the traditionally used medications that are...
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Tricyclic Antidepressants
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are so-called because of their molecular structure, which contains three rings of atoms. They act mainly by inhibiting the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin. Other receptors that might also experience a TCA induced inhibition are muscuranic, alpha1 adrenergic, and histaminic receptors....
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Best Antidepressants
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Although no Antidepressant is ideal, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) extract has proved its Antidepressant efficacy to the market that encourages effectiveness. It is a medicinal herb of centuries-old therapeutic stand, and has been named “arnica of the nerves” because of its therapeutic benefit...
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Antidepressant Side Effects
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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MAOIs hold the potential to induce life-threatening problems. The Side Effects associated with its use are hypertensive crisis, rapid heartbeat, blood cell problems, insomnia, dizziness, headache, fluid retention, and loss of appetite. It therefore cannot be used in patients of congestive cardiac failure or in...
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Natural Antidepressants
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The Natural Antidepressants that impress their effectiveness on experts’ minds include St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine), and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) extract has proved its Antidepressant efficacy to the market. It is a medicinal herb of centuries-old therapeutic stand...
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Anxiety Medication
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Two typical lines of treatment are followed to cure anxiety disorders, namely medication and psychotherapy. It is left to the choice of the individual and the doctor as to the course of treatment to be followed. At times, a combination of both methods is used...
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PMS Medication
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Mild PMS symptoms can usually be managed with lifestyle changes and simple home remedies. Regular exercise and a diet low in salt and sugar can help reduce pain, cramps, and bloating. Calcium supplements have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system that controls hormone production....