The Types of Antidepressants Used to Treat Depression

To treat depression, different therapists will use different theories. Since this information is rather long it will be dealt with in different articles.

Let's begin

A psychiatrist or a biologically oriented psychologist would find part of the answer for treating depression in drug therapy.

It is believed that the chemical called serotonin found in the brain is responsible for our moods. When there is not enough of this chemical circulating in the brain, a person becomes depressed. Hence, drugs are introduced into the brain to correct the chemical imbalance. For example, the drug Prozac is a serotonin uptake inhibitor. In normal brain activity, the chemical serotonin is found in the nerves of the brain. Serotonin travels through the specialized nerve called a neuron, to an area beyond the neuron called a synapse. The synapse is the open space between two neurons. During brain functioning, serotonin is then returned to the neuron after resting a certain length of time in the synapse.

According to this theory, this mood regulator serotonin does not remain in the synapse long enough before it is returned to the neuron to start the process over again. The result is a chemical imbalance in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. Prozac is a medication that makes the serotonin stay longer in the synapse by slowing down the process so that the individual will get the full effects of this brain chemical in order to restore normal brain functioning.

There are several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) on the market today. Fluoxetine (Prozac) was already mentioned, but there are also others such as Citalopram (Celexa), and paroxetine (Paxil) in this class of antidepressants.

There are also what is known as tricyclic antidepressants, which will work on the brain chemical serotonin and norepinephrine. These tricyclic antidepressants are sold as: Amitriptyline (Tryptizol, Domical, Lentizol, Limbitrol, Triptafen), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Imipramine (Tofranil), and Lofepramine (Gamanil).

In Montreal, if you have Videotron or satellite TV no doubt you have seen many of the American commercials for Cymbalta, Cymbalta which is the brand name for duloxetine comes under the group of antidepressants which work solely on the brain chemical norepinephrine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) are less commonly used. MAO inhibitors prevent the brain enzyme monoamine oxidase from metabolizing the natural mood chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine so that there will be more of these chemicals remaining in the brain's neurons and synapses.

Note: Psychologists do not prescribe drugs, only medical doctors or psychiatrists can. Psychologists will recommend that their clients seek these professionals for their medication while the psychologists will then continue with therapy.

For a complete list of antidepressants consult the sources quoted below.

Sources:

African Violet Lady Part III

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/983184/psychology_and_the_african_violet_lady.html?cat=5

List of Antidepressants

http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/antidepressants/list-of-antidepressants/menu-id-68/

Tricyclic antidepressants

http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/simplepsych/tricyclics.html

Mayoclinic.com

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/maois/MH00072