Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) were developed in the 1950s as a way to treat depression with chemical compounds. These drugs are known for their specific chemical structure consisting of three rings of atoms, hence being referred to as “tri”-cyclic. Tricyclics were developed after researchers began exploring derivatives of the first typical antipsychotic medication Thorazine. Experimentation with derivatives …
Those who were taking the “old Nardil” (an MAOI antidepressant) formulation for depression know that it worked quite well. Many people had taken it for years, in some cases decades with relief from depressive symptoms. Although this drug didn’t work for everyone, those who found it effective usually experienced long-lasting relief from depression. As noted in …
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are specific types of drugs that are most commonly utilized to treat depression and anxiety disorders. The drugs work to increase the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin by preventing or inhibiting its reuptake. By preventing the reuptake of serotonin in the pre-synaptic neurons, this allows for increased serotonin in the …
SNRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are also known as dual-reuptake inhibitors because they prevent the reuptake of multiple neurotransmitters in the brain. Most of the second-generation antidepressants are classified as “SSRI,” meaning they focus solely on preventing the reuptake of serotonin. SNRI drugs continue to prevent the reuptake of serotonin, but also focus on another …
Atypical antidepressants are unique from other classes of antidepressants based on pharmacological properties. These days, the most common antidepressants fit into one of a few categories: SSRIs/SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs. Respectively these are: selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclics (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). SSRIs and SNRIs are considered the …
Most people suffering from depression are seeking treatments that are safe. Although many treatments such as medications are relatively safe, they can result in unwanted negative side effects and difficult withdrawals. In most cases, it is better to attempt treating depression with therapy and natural methods prior to trying antidepressant drugs. It should also be …
When it comes to depression, most people are looking for a treatment that allows them to feel happier, while minimizing potential side effects. There are many antidepressants on the market, and while some may work slightly better than others, most research indicates that the efficacy among approved drugs is very similar. If you are looking …