Type

Depression is a mood disorder that, if left untreated, can cause a person to injure himself and even commit suicide attempts. So that depression does not get worse, doctors will usually prescribe anti-depressants, also known as anti-depressants. However, did you know that these drugs come in many types and can cause side effects? Come on, find out more about this drug in the following review.

Types of depression drugs and their risk of side effects

Anti-depressants work by balancing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which affect your mood and emotions. This medication can help improve mood, help you sleep better, and increase appetite and concentration.

How depression medication works will depend on the type of medication. The following are the various types of drugs to treat mood disorders that are most commonly used and prescribed by doctors.

1.Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of health and happiness. In the brains of people who are depressed, serotonin production is low.

SSRIs are used to treat moderate to severe depression. SSRIs work to block serotonin from being reabsorbed by nerve cells (nerves usually recycle this neurotransmitter). This results in an increase in the concentration of serotonin, which can improve mood andre-generate interest to activities you used to enjoy.

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of depression medication because of their low risk of side effects. Examples of drugs of this type are escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Lovan or Prozac), paroxetine (Aropax), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Cipramil).

Possible side effects of SSRIs include:

• Gastrointestinal disorders (influenced by the number of doses) such as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation.
• Anorexia with weight loss, but there are also in some cases an increase in appetite resulting in weight gain.
• Hypersensitivity reactions including itching, hives, anaphylaxis, myalgia.
• Dry mouth.
• Nervous.
• Hallucinations.
• Sleepy.
• Seizures.
• Impaired sexual function.
• Interference with the bladder to pass urine or empty it.
• Visual disturbances.
• Bleeding disorders.
• Hyponatremia.

It should also be borne in mind that the SSRI-class depression medication should not be used if the patient is entering a manic phase, a condition that makes a person very excited physically and mentally, which sometimes leads to irrational actions.

2.Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRI blocks serotonin and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed by nerve cells. Norepinephrine is involved in the nervous system of the brain that triggers the response of feelings of attraction to external stimulimotivate them to do something. Therefore, SNRI-type depression drugs are believed to be more effective than SSRI-type drugs that focus solely on serotonin.

Antidepressants included in the SNRI group are venlafaxine (Effexor XR), desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and reboxetine (Edronax). The side effects of this type of depression medication include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness; kliyengan head.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Unusual dreams or nightmares.
• Excessive sweating.
• Constipation.
• Shaky.
• Feeling anxious.
• Sexual problems.

3. Tricyclics

Tricyclics work directly to inhibit a number of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine, from being reabsorbed as well as binding to nerve cell receptors. Usually, this medication is prescribed for people who have previously been given SSRIs but no change in symptoms.

Anti-depressant drugs included in this group are amitriptyline (Endep), clomipramine (Anafranil), dosulepin (Prothiaden or Dothep), doxepin (Deptran), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Allegron).

The side effects of this type of anti-depressant are:

• Arrhythmia
• Heart block (especially with amitriptyline)
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Sleepy
• Urine retention
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

The side effects of this depression medication can be reduced if it is initially given in low doses, and then increased gradually. Gradual dosing is especially applied to the elderly who are depressed, as there is a risk that a drop in blood pressure may cause headaches and even fainting.

4.Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) work to inhibit the monoamine oxidase enzyme which can destroy serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. These three neurotransmitters are responsible for generating feelings of happiness.

Examples of this type of drug are tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), and isocarboxazid (Marplan). MAOIs are usually prescribed when other medicines do not provide improvement in symptoms.

MAOIs can cause interactions with some foods, such as cheese, pickles, and grapes. Therefore, you must be careful with the foods you consume while using the drug.

This type of anti-depressant has very serious side effects. The side effects that occur are:

• Dizziness (head kliyengan, sensation of spinning room)
• Changes in blood pressure
• Feel sleepy
• Hard to sleep
• Dizzy
• Fluid build-up in the body (such as swelling of the feet and ankles)
• Blurred vision
• Gaining weight

5. Noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NASSAs)

NASSAs are anti-depressant drugs that work by increasing noradrenaline and serotonin levels. A drug that is included in this type is mirtazapine (Avanza). Serotonin and noradrenaline are neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotions. Serotonin also helps regulate sleep and appetite cycles.

The side effects given from this drug are drowsiness, increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, flu symptoms, and dizziness.

Depression drugs will be more effective with other treatments

Anti-depressant drugs are often the first line of treatment. So, when a person shows symptoms of depression and is diagnosed with this mental illness, the doctor will prescribe these drugs. However, the effectiveness of the drug does not happen overnight.

It usually takes at least three to four weeks before you notice a change in your mood. Sometimes, it can take longer. Taking daily anti-depressants as directed by your doctor can help increase the effectiveness of the medication and speed healing.

In addition to prescription medications, your doctor may also refer you to psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and intrapersonal therapy as co-treatments for depression, especially in cases of moderate to severe depression.

Apart from medical treatment, many medical professionals also agree that regular exercise is the best "alternative medicine" for people with depression.

Apart from alleviating symptoms of depression, regular exercise offers other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, protecting against heart disease and cancer, and increasing self-confidence. In addition, eat healthy foods for people with depression and get enough rest.

Things that need to be considered when taking depression medication

Like other drugs, in using anti-depressants, you also have to be careful. Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, there are several things that need to be considered before or while using drugs to treat mood disorders, including:

Consider taking medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The decision to use antidepressants during pregnancy and breastfeeding is based on a balance between the risks and benefits. Overall, the risk of birth defects from mothers who take antidepressants during pregnancy is low.

However, certain types of drugs, such as paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), may not be recommended during pregnancy. So, further consult your condition at the doctor during a health check.

Talk to your doctor if you are using other medicines

The side effects of anti-depressants can appear when you use other medications, including supplements. In addition, the effectiveness of the drug can also be affected by interacting with other drugs. Therefore, tell your doctor if you really use drugs to treat other diseases you have.

If the side effects of depression medication bother you, report it to your doctor

Each person will react differently to prescribed depression medication. There are those who experience mild side effects, some also experience severe side effects from using certain drugs.

If the side effects you feel are quite disturbing, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Do not let the side effects of the drug interfere with activity or even cause other health problems. Your doctor may decrease the dose, as well as change the type of drug that is safer for you.