Guide To The Most Common Antidepressants

Serotonin And Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressants that increase serotonin and norepinephrine. In addition to depression treatment, these drugs may be prescribed to treat chronic pain, especially pain that stems from the body's nerves. They are used to treat diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, low back pain, and pain from osteoarthritis, and they are beneficial in the treatment of social phobia, panic disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Examples of SNRIs include venlafaxine, duloxetine, and levomilnacipran. Patients taking serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors could experience side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. These drugs could increase blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, and they may cause low blood pressure upon standing. In rare cases, patients who use SNRIs have reported seizures. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may also reduce the levels of sodium in the blood, especially in the elderly and patients who take diuretics. Duloxetine could worsen existing liver issues, and venlafaxine and levomilnacipran may increase blood pressure in certain patients. Patients who use these medicines may need to have their blood pressure, blood glucose, and liver function monitored regularly.

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Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Like tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were introduced in the 1950s. These medications are typically prescribed today after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants have been tried first. Examples of MAOIs include tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, and phenelzine. The effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors often take up to three weeks to be felt by the patient, and they are generally continued for at least six months after the patient's depression resolves. MAOIs are especially beneficial for patients who have atypical depression. Those with this condition have features that are inconsistent with other recognized types of depression; these may include a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, excessive drowsiness, and an improvement in symptoms if a positive event occurs in the patient's life. While taking MAOIs, patients should not consume any foods or drinks containing tyramine, including alcohol. Doing so could cause a dangerous and sudden increase in blood pressure. Patients should also avoid over-the-counter cough and cold remedies that contain dextromethorphan. Potential side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors include weight gain, hypertension, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and difficulty urinating.

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