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There are a number of antidepressant drugs
currently on the market. The older
antidepressants, known as Tricyclics
and MAOI's (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors),
tend to be prescribed less often than the
newer SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors). This is because the SSRI
antidepressants are thought to have fewer side
effects and reduced toxicity in overdose.
Typical drugs within the SSRI category are
Seroxat, Cipramil, and Prozac. There are a
number of initial and on-going side-effects
associated with these drugs including nausea,
sleep problems, headache, restlessness, fever,
sweating, dizziness, sedation and sexual
dysfunction. Vaginal bleeding has also been
reported after withdrawal of SSRI's. The
severity of any side-effects/withdrawal
effects may be dependant on the length of time
the drugs are taken and the dosage.
The neurotransmitter, Serotonin, is
thought to have an effect on mood - although,
its function is not fully understood.
Therefore, the efficacy (effectiveness) of the
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRI's) is also not fully understood.
However, it is thought that by increasing
serotonin levels in the brain, it may be
possible to lift depressed feelings.
Current theory about these antidepressants is
that they act within the brain to restrict the
reuptake (reabsorption) of Serotonin back into
the original nerve cell once the
neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) has
jumped between one nerve cell and the next. By
preventing the natural reabsorption of
serotonin, the neurotransmitter remains in the
gap (synapse) between nerve cells and floods
the system - thus increasing serotonin levels.
It is clearly a personal choice whether or not
to take antidepressants drugs and to balance
the risks against the possible benefits.
Although, given our limited knowledge of the
human brain and its delicate and complex
nature it may be worth questioning the wisdom
of attempting to alter its natural balance by
artificial means.
If you are currently taking antidepressants
and would like to learn more about possible
withdrawal effects, a good source of
information is the publication Your Drug
May Be Your Problem by P.Breggin M.D &
D.Cohen PH.D (ISBN 0-7382-0348-3). There is
also a booklet entitled Coping with coming
off by Jim Read. This booklet can be
ordered or accessed online at
www.mind.org.uk
Guidelines from The National Institute for
Clinical Excellence (NICE) suggest that for
mild to moderate depression, psychological
treatments (counselling/psychotherapy) should
be considered. For further details visit
www.nice.org.uk
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