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Antidepressants - The theory behind the drugs by Sally Peacock 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. 5 There are a number initial and on-going side-effects associated with these drugs including nausea, sleep problems, headache, restlessness, fever, sweating, dizziness, sedation and sexual dysfunction. Virginal 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 or low mood. 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.
Other articles by Sally Peacock Newest Articles in Psychology The Philosophy Of The Color Red - by Jim Slate
Understanding the color red and what it means in society, art, culture, and media, is a complex undertaking. You have to understand that the meaning of the color red comes from a variety of sources. On the one hand It Is Possible To Transform Problems Into Opportunities - by Sandy Shaw "So tell me then - how can a very real and serious problem be turned and transformed into an opportunity? Is this not just some clever psychological trick?" That was the challenging and almost cynical question posed to me. Come Yes Or No? - by Uma Ranganathan Have you ever noticed how often people make decisions which they are not really prepared to stand by? That a yes is seldom (or often not) a full throated YES but a way to avoid saying "No". In our Family Values in Cambodian Mentality - by Lay Vicheka Not only unique in its material mentality, Cambodia does boast unique spiritual mentality which is of great lesson to Cambodians and the world. So what is that unique value that the author is indirectly referring to? "Family value" is the "Understanding", a Foundation for Everything! - by Lay Vicheka To me, I am worth a human person! Is rhetoric, provoking me to tirelessly make an endeavor, seeking the path on which I and other human persons should or should not walk on. Philosopher, with reference to its father, |
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