Antidepressant

Antidepressant: mechanism of action and side effects

Depression is a serious mental disorder that is characterized by low emotional mood, loss of interest in life and decreased activity. Depression can reduce quality of life and increase the risk of developing other diseases. Antidepressants are used to treat depression - a group of medications that help reduce symptoms of depression.

One of the most widely used classes of antidepressants are tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and imipramine. They act on nerve cells to increase levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces symptoms of depression. However, tricyclic antidepressants can have significant side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness, and difficulty urinating.

Another class of antidepressants are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). They also increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels, but do so by blocking the action of enzymes that break down these neurotransmitters. However, MAO inhibitors can lead to more severe side effects, including headaches, vomiting, insomnia, and even dangerous interactions with certain foods and medications.

Serotonin inhibitors (5-HT) are another class of antidepressants that affect serotonin levels in the brain. These include drugs such as fluoxetine and fluvoxamine. These drugs have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors, but can cause headache, nausea, insomnia and decreased libido.

When choosing an antidepressant, the doctor takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient and carefully evaluates side effects and contraindications. Patients should not take antidepressants without consulting a doctor and follow the instructions for use.

In conclusion, antidepressants are an important class of medications for treating depression, but they can have significant side effects. Patients should discuss all questions with their doctor and follow his recommendations regarding dosage and duration of treatment. It must be remembered that antidepressants are not a panacea for depression, and treatment should be comprehensive, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. If you are showing signs of depression, do not hesitate to seek help from a qualified professional.

Antidepressants are medications that help reduce symptoms of depression and improve mood. They are widely used in medicine to treat depressive conditions, especially chronic or severe depression. Today there are different types of antidepressants, each of which has its own characteristics and can be used depending on the specific situation of the patient.

Tricyclic antidepressants are a group of drugs whose chemical structure is based on three benzene rings. One of the most famous and popular tricyclic antidepressants is amitriptyline. It helps fight insomnia, anxiety and other symptoms of depression. However, the use of these drugs may cause side effects such as dry mouth and oral cavity, blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness and difficulty urinating, so you should consult your doctor before use.

Antidepressants,