This is a continuation of last Sunday’s post Issue #19 Jul 3/11. In that issue I wrote about the function of antidepressants, how long they usually take to begin to work, deciding whether you need to take an antidepressant and the possible side effects of these drugs. Today I will continue to focus on antidepressants now on the different types.
Be aware that this is information only. I am not a psychiatrist, medical doctor or pharmacist. All of this information is taken from several websites and is here simply for you to familiarize yourself with them if you so desire.
Types of antidepressants
Is it important to know what type of antidepressant you are taking? It might
matter if your doctor prescribes a certain type and finds that you have side
effects that are too distressing for each one. He or she may then decide to try a
different type and find that you react well to that type.
SSRIs
(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
This is the newest class of antidepressants and they are often chosen first by
doctors as they are known to have milder side-effects. They include Celexa,
Cipralex (or Lexapro), Luvox, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. The common side effects
may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, dry mouth, headaches,
anxiety, sedation, a decrease in sexual desire & response. They may also cause
jittery or restless feelings, problems with sleep, vivid dreams or nightmares.
Here is a site you can go to for information on them.
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/Celexa?from=Celexa.Celexa
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/Luvox?from=Luvox.Luvox
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/PaxilBasicOverview?from=Paxil.Paxil
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/Prozac?from=Prozac.Prozac
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/ZoloftBasicOverview?from=Zoloft.Zoloft
SNRIs
(Serotonin & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
These are used to treat depression, and/or anxiety as well as chronic pain. They include Cymbalta, Effexor, Pristiq. Their common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, sexual problems. At a higher dose they may increase blood pressure.
For information on them go to
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/CymbaltaBasicOverview?from=Cymbalta.Cymbalta
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/Effexor?from=Effexor.Effexor
http://www.drugs.com
NDRIs
(Norepinephrine & Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors)
These are used for depression and are often given because of their energizing
effects, and in combination with other antidepressants. They are also used for ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to help people stop smoking
Includes Wellbutrin, also called Zyban. Common side effects are jitteriness and insomnia.
NaSSAs
(Noradrenergic & Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants)
These are the most sedating of the antidepressants and good for people who have insomnia or are very anxious. They also help to stimulate appetite. Remeron (or Mirtazapine) is the common one in this class. Its common side effects are drowsiness and weight gain.
Cyclics
(or Tricyclic & Tetracyclic Antidepressants – TCAs)
This is an older class of antidepressants. They include Elavil (also called amitriptyline), Ludiomil (or maprotiline), Tofranil (or imipramine), Norpramin (or desipramine), Novo-nortriptyline, Anafranil (or clomipramine). These drugs tend to have more side-effects than the newer ones so they are not often chosen as the first medication for treatment. However, if the other medications don’t work, especially for severe depression, these might help. The common side effects are dry mouth, tremors, constipation, sedation, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, weight gain, and dizziness. They may also cause heart rhythm abnormalities so your doctor should give you an electrocardiogram (EEG) before prescribing one of these
Elavil
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/Elavil?from=Elavil.Elavilhttp://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/Tofranil
http://crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Meds/Pamelor?from=Pamelor.Pamelor
Ludiomil or Maprotiline
NorpraminAnafranil
http://www.drugs.com
MAOIs
(Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
These were the very first class of antidepressants. While they are still effective they are not often prescribed as you have to follow a special diet if you take any of them. They include Nardil and Parnate. Manerix is a newer one and doesn’t need the dietary restrictions but is not as effective. Common side effects are change of blood pressure when going from sitting to standing, insomnia, swelling, and weight gain.
Parnate
Manerix
http://www.drugs.com
Next time I’ll cover anti-anxiety medications.
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