Your therapist or physician has recently recommended that you begin antidepressant drug therapy for a whopping bout of depression you are going through. Do you know what you're taking? Do you know what it does? And do you have options?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
What do they do?
SSRIs are selective because they act only on the neurotransmitter serotonin. Normal levels of serotonin are required to regulate mood and other functions. Slowing the release of serotonin from the brain is thought to improve move and other functions. Benefit: Less side effects than other antidepressants Side effects include dry mouth, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, headache and sexual problems.
What do they do?
Tricyclics work on two neurotransmitters -- both serotonin and norepinephrine. It is thought that they may work on other chemicals in the body as well. Benefit: More research. Doctors have been prescribing these for depression for a very long time. Side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, worsening of glaucoma, impaired thinking and tiredness and increased blood pressure and heart rate.
What do they do?
These antidepressants work a little differently than the other two. But it is possible you may be prescribed these or see these advertised. Side effects vary from drug to drug. Check with your physician. Benefit: May work for people when other drugs haven't worked.
What do they do?
Everything that tricylic antidepressants do plus affect levels of dopamine in the body. These are not as commonly used because they are difficult to use for many patients. There are many food and drug interaction precautions that patients have to strictly adhere to. Benefit: Patients see success in MAOIs when they have used other drugs in the past that haven't worked. Side effects include weakness, dizziness, headaches and tremors.
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Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, writer, and speaker. She has been helping clients with all types of life issues since 1998. She is the Founder and Director of www.GirlShrink.com, a site that offers expert online advice, counseling and coaching for women on a variety of issues such as relationships, mental health and more. Get information about our free advice & other services by Clicking Here.
