Shall we talk about antidepressants that help fight depression?

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, sad, and empty? We all have those days in our lives. But if these feelings persist, if they control you to the point where you can't do your daily activities, it could be a condition called depression. The best part is, it's a treatable condition. If you and your doctor decide to treat it together, antidepressants can be a great help.

What are these antidepressants?

Simply put, these are medications that help balance the activity of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in our brain and improve our mood. But one thing to remember is that these medications do not produce immediate results. It can take several weeks to see full results. So it is very important to be patient.

Also, the best treatment for depression is not just medication, but a combination of counseling or talk therapy and lifestyle changes (like regular exercise). You should discuss all of these with your doctor.

Now let's see what the main types of medications are that doctors usually recommend.

1. SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) type of medication

This is the most commonly prescribed class of medication for depression in the world today. It is usually the first medication to be started with.

How do these work?

Imagine that our brain has a chemical messenger called 'Serotonin'. This is what controls many things like our happiness, mood, and sleep. When we have depression, this serotonin level can decrease. SSRI medications work by stopping the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Then, the amount of serotonin available in the brain increases, and our mood gradually improves.

Possible side effects

Compared to other medications, SSRIs have relatively few side effects, but some people may experience:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Headache
• Weight changes (gain or loss)
• A slight increase in anxiety at first
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Changes in sexual function

Most of these side effects will go away as your body adjusts to the medication. But if they persist, be sure to tell your doctor.

Things that should not be taken with this medicine

If you are taking an SSRI, it is very important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. In particular, other medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g. other antidepressants, some painkillers) can cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome . Therefore, do not take any medication on your own.

2. SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) type of medication

These are very similar to SSRIs, but there is a slight difference.

How do these work?

SNRIs not only increase serotonin levels, but also another chemical messenger in the brain called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine also affects things like our attention and alertness. For some people, if SSRIs alone aren't enough, their doctor may switch them to an SNRI.

Possible side effects

In addition to the same side effects as SSRIs (such as nausea, dry mouth, dizziness), these may also occur:

• Sweating more
• Tiredness
• Constipation
• Appetite
• Some SNRIs can slightly increase blood pressure.

3. TCA (Tricyclic Antidepressants) type medications

These are an older class of medications that were first introduced for depression. They are not used as often anymore because they have more side effects than SSRIs and SNRIs. However, they may be helpful for some people who have not responded to other medications.

When using TCA medications, side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up) and dizziness may occur.

4. MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) type of medication

This is the oldest class of antidepressants available. Although they can be very effective, there are some very strict rules about food and drink when taking these medications. So they are usually only used if nothing else works.

Foods not to eat while taking MAOIs

It is best not to eat foods containing a chemical called 'Tyramine' while taking MAOI medication. Doing so can cause dangerously high blood pressure. Therefore, a person taking this medication should definitely avoid the following foods.

This list is not complete. If you are prescribed an MAOI, your doctor will explain this in more detail.

Severe conditions that require special attention

When using antidepressants, in addition to the common side effects, it is important that you are aware of some rare but very dangerous conditions that can occur.

How do you choose the right medicine for you?

This is a decision that you and your doctor should make together. Your doctor will consider the following factors when choosing a medication for you:

• The nature of your symptoms.
• Possible side effects.
• Other medical conditions you have (e.g. heart disease, diabetes).
• Other medications you are taking.
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• The price of medicines.

For your part, it's very important to talk honestly with your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing and whether or not you're feeling any relief from the medication. Only then can the dosage be changed or a different medication be switched if necessary.