Depression bothers people of different nationalities, races, ages and incomes. And it is not just sadness. It’s an illness which sometimes makes an everyday life unbearable. Moreover, depression, in most cases, is a cause of suicides and other negative consequences. Doctors distinguish several types of depressions: major depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder and seasonal depression. Depression can be treated effectively, in case it’s diagnosed in time. The main key point is to admit that you have depression and need medical help. Clinical depression always requires the help of a professional. Antidepressants are drugs which help people to treat depression. They have been used by people of different ages since 1950. The main types of antidepressants include:

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

• SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)

• Tricyclics

• MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

Antidepressants are believed to work by increasing the activity of so-called neurotransmitters (certain chemicals in the brain). They conduct a function of passing signals from one brain cell to another. Serotonin and Noradrenaline are chemicals which are thought to be involved in depression.

Antidepressants are prescribed in different situations such as moderate to severe depressive illness (Not mild depression), chronic pain, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety and panic attacks. You should be aware that antidepressants can cause side effects. They differ according to the type of antidepressant:

SSRIs

You may feel sick and more anxious, during the first weeks of taking them. Problems with indigestion are also possible, but it can be avoided by taking the drugs with food. Antidepressants may affect seriously your sexual function. More serious side effects such as: confusion, difficulty in remembering, falls, problems with urinating are also possible but they occur in rare cases. You can experience side effects especially during the first weeks, when your body gets used to the drug.

SNRIs

SNRI has side effects similar to SSRI. But if you have serious heart problem, you shouldn’t use Venlafaxine.

Tricyclics

You may have constipation, a dry mouth, , fast heartbeat, a slight tremor sleepiness, and weight gain. In older people they may cause confusion, slowness, faintness through low blood pressure, and falls. If you have troubles with your heart, it’s better not to use this group of antidepressants. It is possible that men will experience difficulties with an erection, or delayed ejaculation. Antidepressants of the group are dangerous if you overdose.

MAOIs

Antidepressants of this type are rarely prescribed nowadays. If you eat foods containing Tyramine, MAOIs can cause dangerously high blood pressure.

Some antidepressants may cause drowsiness, make you sleepy or slow down your reactions. That’s why while taking them you should be careful with driving or operating a machine.

Antidepressants are not habit forming drugs.

Antidepressants are not recommended if you’re pregnant, especially during the first 3 months. Moreover, doctors do not advise to take the drugs if you’re breast-feeding.

Antidepressants must be taken according the prescription of your doctor. Try to inform your doctor at once if you get some side effects. But don’t stop using the tablets unless the side effects are serious.

You should remember that antidepressants, you take, won’t work if you don’t take them every day.

You shouldn’t think that these drugs will work straight away. It usually takes about 1 or 2 weeks for them to start working.

Drinking alcohol, while taking antidepressants, is not recommended. In can cause undesirable side effects, which may lead to problems with operating mechanisms and driving.

Antidepressants are usually prescribed for 8-9 months. If you stop taking the tablets before the term, the symptoms of your depression may come back.

Antidepressants can interact with other medicines. It is important to tell your doctor, if you take other drugs.