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Antidepressants

by Alivia Nyhan

Antidepressants are a type of medication used to treat clinical depression or prevent it from coming back. They can also treat other conditions, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and chronic pain. Antidepressants work by changing the levels of chemicals in the brain, which can improve mood and relieve symptoms.

How do antidepressants work?

There are three main ways that antidepressants work: by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, blocking the reuptake of serotonin, and increasing levels of norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that are thought to be involved in depression. By increasing levels of these neurotransmitters, antidepressants are thought to help alleviate the symptoms of depression.

How are antidepressant medications selected?

The antidepressant that is best for you may depend on several factors, including your health and the severity of your depression. Some people may need to try a few different antidepressants before they find the one that works best for them.

What are the side effects of antidepressant medications?

The most common side effects of antidepressant medications are nausea, headache, drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Some people may also experience anxiety, agitation, and dizziness.

Some Common Antidepressants:

5-HTP: 5-HTP is an amino acid that is the precursor to serotonin, and it is thought to work in a similar way to antidepressants by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.

Fluoxetine: Fluoxetine is an SSRI that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression. It is thought to work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Fluoxetine is generally well tolerated, but side effects can include nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

Lexatin: Lexatin, also known by its generic name escitalopram, is an antidepressant that is part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class (SSRI). It is used to treat major depressive disorder and other mood disorders.

Sertraline: Sertraline is an SSRI that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression. It is generally considered a safe and effective medication, with a low risk of serious side effects. However, like all medications, there is a potential for sertraline to cause certain side effects.

Paroxetine: Paroxetine is an SSRI that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression. It can be used to treat other conditions as well, such as anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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