Types Of Antidepressant Drugs

Learning About Types Of Antidepressant Drugs.

A diagnosis of depression can be an intimidating event in life, but several types of antidepressant drugs are available to treat it. The three main categories of antidepressant drugs are SSRI, TCA and MAOI, though a doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs or mood-stabilizers instead of or alongside these medications.SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. SSRI's seem to block the reabsorption of serotonin, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter chemical, by some receptors, thus making more serotonin available in the brain. SSRI's are considered widely effective and a group of drugs that are a first choice for depression. Some common SSRI antidepressant drugs are Lexapro, Zoloft and Prozac.Second in the types of antidepressant drugs is TCA. Tricyclic antidepressants are also reabsorption blockers, but besides serotonin, they can block norepinephrine and dopamine absorption.

While SSRI's have some side effects, TCA's have more of them, including sensitivity to sunlight. TCA's affect a wider range of cells, so the patient with other health issues may wish to avoid them. Some brand names in this category are Norpramin, Sinequan and Vivactil.MAOI's have the greatest risk of adverse side effects, so they are the least commonly prescribed types of antidepressant drugs. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors interfere with the enzyme that breaks down serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. By boosting the levels of these three compounds in the brain, mood is enhanced. Among the restrictions when taking MAOI antidepressant drugs are some strict dietary guidelines to avoid the intake of a naturally occurring amino acid called tyramine.

Bananas, chocolate and red wine are on the list of food and drink to avoid. Consequences of the failure to control tyramine intake can include high blood pressure and stroke. MAOI's are among the oldest antidepressant drugs, but they are still in use. A new development, the MAOI skin patch, called Ensam, may help to mitigate some of the side effects as it slowly releases the drug over a 24 hour period.Consult a physician for more about how the different types of antidepressant drugs may affect an individual.