Antidepressants

Antidepressants are a type of medication that are prescribed to treat depression and other depressive disorders. In the United States, antidepressants are one of the most commonly prescribed medications. While the term suggests antidepressants are only prescribed for depression, they may be used to treat other psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It is vital to be under the care of a physician, while taking antidepressants. Some may cause side effects that can be detrimental to a person's health and wellbeing. Since not all antidepressants are the same, side effects range from type to type.AAFP: Antidepressants: Medicines for Depression

Antidepressants encompass a large number of drug classes and types. Due to the wide range of options, it may take some time for a person to find an appropriate antidepressant.MayoClinic.com: Antidepressants: Selecting One That's Right for You

1. Depression
2. Bipolar Disorder
3. Anxiety Disorder
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

1. Tricyclic Antidepressant
2. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
3. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
4. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

1. Prozac (Fluoxetine)
2. Paxil (Paroxetine)
3. Zoloft (Sertraline)
4. Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking antidepressants.

• Google News: Antidepressants
• ScienceDaily: Antidepressants Enhance Neuronal Plasticity In The Visual System (April 21, 2008)
• The New York Times: Who Are We? Coming of Age on Antidepressants (April 15, 2008)
• HealthDay: Only Severely Depressed Benefit From Antidepressants: Study (February 26, 2008)
• HealthDay: Genetics May Determine Antidepressants' Effectiveness (January 23, 2008)
  • Genetic variations that predict patient response to the two common antidepressant drugs citalopram (brand name Celexa) and venlafaxine (Effexor) have been identified by German researchers.
• ScienceDaily: As Depression Symptoms Improve With Antidepressants, Hopelessness... (February 22, 2008)
• HealthDay: Antidepressant Effectiveness Probably Overstated: Report (January 16, 2008)
• HealthDay: Genes Might Predispose Antidepressant Users to Suicidal Thoughts (September 27, 2007)
• HealthDay: Experimental Antidepressants Offer Faster Relief (September 5, 2007)
• HealthDay: Suicide Attempts Fall After Depression Treatment Begins (July 2, 2007)
• HealthDay: Mom's Antidepressant Use Poses Little Danger to Baby (June 27, 2007)
• Reuters: Antidepressants weaken bones in elderly (June 25, 2007)
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Benefits of Antidepressants May Outweigh Risks... (April 17, 2007)