What does Antidepressants do?

An antidepressant is a medication that treats a variety of mental conditions including Anxiety and Depression . The brain's natural chemicals that influence mood such as norepinephrine and serotonin are altered by antidepressants. Antidepressants are also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Which health conditions can be treated with antidepressants

A wide variety of mental conditions can be treated with antidepressants. Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are all possible. Antidepressants can also be prescribed to manage certain chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.

Antidepressants: Examples

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft), es Citalopram ( Lexapro ), citalopram ( Celexa )
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Duloxetine ( Cymbalta ), venlafaxine (Effexor), Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Imipramine and Amitriptyline
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid
• Atypical antidepressants: Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Trazodone , Mirtazapine (Remeron)

Antidepressants: Experts' Views

Antidepressants are believed to be effective in treating depression and other mental disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that antidepressants have been extensively researched and supported by a lot of scientific evidence. The Lancet published a 2018 study that found antidepressants are more effective than placebo in the treatment of moderate-to severe depression.

Side effects of antidepressants

Antidepressants can be safe and effective but they may have side effects. Side effects include dizziness and nausea as well as weight gain, anxiety, dry mouth, increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, decreased sexual function, and insomnia. People may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the medication. If you experience side effects from antidepressants, talk to your doctor immediately.

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Gain weight
• Wet mouth
• Sexual dysfunction
• Anxiety has increased
• Withdrawal symptoms

Natural Alternatives to Antidepressants

Many natural ways to decrease anxiety and depression symptoms include yoga, mindfulness meditation, diet changes, exercise, sleep habits change, as well as other remedies. Exercise, mindfulness meditation and yoga are all good options. You may also find natural treatments that can help, such as omega-3 fatty acid, St. John's Wort, 5-HTP and SAMe.

• Exercise
• Meditation on mindfulness
• Yoga
• Diet changes
• Get enough sleep
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• St. John's Wort
• 5-HTP
• SAMe
• Kava

Antidepressants can be used to treat anxiety and depression. Antidepressants work by altering the brain's natural chemical levels that influence mood. Although antidepressants can be safe and effective in general, there may be side effects. There are many natural options available for those suffering from anxiety or depression.