Anti-depressants

Antidepressants are prescription drugs that assist in the treatment of depression. Doctors prescribe them to correct other disorders too.

Depression is a mood disorder that produces a long-lasting feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in things and activities you previously enjoyed.

Antidepressants are a form of depression treatment. For this reason, doctors will frequently prescribe talk therapy (psychotherapy) in conjunction with depression medication.

How do antidepressants work?

Basically, antidepressants change how your mind uses certain chemicals (the neurotransmitters) to promote feelings of good mood and behavior. More especially, they affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and, in a smaller fraction of cases, dopamine neurotransmission.

Research also indicates that antidepressants stimulate neuroplasticity, an event whereby your brain is able to change its form by strengthening or weakening links among brain cells known as neurons.

How do I take antidepressants?

• Antidepressants usually come in pill (tablet) form. You take the pills down with a liquid, such as water. Later on, they’ll increase the dose if needed.
• Treatment is typically a minimum of six months after you begin to improve. If you experience recurrent, chronic or severe depression, your doctor might suggest taking the antidepressant indefinitely for the foreseeable future.