How do Antidepressants Work?
Antidepressants work by balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, that acts as communicators for nerves. Antidepressants work by increasing the stay of these chemicals in the brain by preventing their reabsorption back in the nerve cells.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed, which increases the level of serotonin in the brain leading to improved mood.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine and increases their availability in the brain. It help to improve mood treat symptoms of depression.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older antidepressant that affects both serotonin and norepinephrine, and they also affect other neurotransmitters, such as histamine and acetylcholine, which can lead to more side effects.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for break down of serotonin. This increases the amount of serotonin available in the brain, which can help to improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression.
Antidepressants do not improve symptoms instantly, they can take several weeks to show their effect.
Source1:-Harmer, C. J., Duman, R. S., & Cowen, P. J. (2017). How do antidepressants work? New perspectives for refining future treatment approaches. The lancet. Psychiatry, 4(5), 409–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30015-9
Source2:-Taylor, C., Fricker, A. D., Devi, L. A., & Gomes, I. (2005). Mechanisms of action of antidepressants: from neurotransmitter systems to signaling pathways. Cellular signalling, 17(5), 549–557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cellsig.2004.12.007
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