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Medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) delay the reuptake of one of these neurotransmitters, serotonin, thus raising levels in the brain. Higher levels of serotonin seem to help the brain send and receive messages more easily, which, in turn, improves mood. SSRIs are very popular because they seem to have the least side-effects among antidepressants. Additionally, side-effects tend to be mild to moderate and are transitory, usually disappearing after one to three weeks.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), work in the same manner as SSRIs, but affect the uptake of all three neurotransmitters associated with mood: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They do have more side-effects, however, and can be dangerous if overdosed. TCAs are not recommended to patients with heart trouble.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), an older class of antidepressants, increase levels of all three neurotransmitters by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for inactivating them. MAOIs also affect tyramine, a molecule inked to blood pressure; as a result, anyone taking MAOIs must stick to a very strict diet that forbids a variety of common foods like cheeses, yogurt, certain meats, bananas, and many more foods. Failure to do so can lead to a hypertensive crisis and may result in death. MAOIs also interact with many medications and are no longer widely prescribed.

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6mo ago

An antidepressant is a medication used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain, which can help regulate mood, emotions, and behavior.

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Q: What is an antidepressant and how does it work in the brain?
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Related questions

Do you have to get blood work done prior to taking antidepressant?

no


Which antidepressant drug elevates serotonin levels in the brain?

pretty much all of them, except for Wellbutrin


Antidepressant with Xanax?

Yes, depending on the antidepressant.SSRI's work well.Tricyclics can be dangerous


Can wine work for antidepressant?

sure... along with cocaine and hookers. 9 out of 10 docs recommend it


Does Trazodone help go to sleep?

Trazondone, originally, was used as an antidepressant but it was soon discovered that it wasn't a good one but did make people drowsy so now it is used as a sleeping pill rather than an antidepressant. Trazondone, originally, was used as an antidepressant but it was soon discovered that it wasn't a good one but did make people drowsy so now it is used as a sleeping pill rather than an antidepressant. i was on trazodone they gave it to me to help me sleep at night they work good depending on the dose am not trying to say that it will work for everybody but i have seen it work on a few. hope this helps


What is tardive dysphoria?

Tardive dysphoria is a condition caused by antidepressant use and stems from the brain overcompensating to adapt to said antidepressants. It results in a chronic and treatment resistant depression.


Is there an antidepressant that help stop smoking and not gain weight?

Chantix. While not an antidepressant, it is similar to Wellbutrin which is an antidepressant, and is also used to help smoking cessation.


Is there an antidepressant that works the same way as oxycodone?

Oxycodone is not an antidepressant. It is a pain reliever. There is no antidepressant that works like a pain reliever. See your doctor and get what is best for you.


What types of neurotransmitters do antidepressants target?

Antidepressants target neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They work by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.


Which antidepressant that is also used to treat nocturnal enuresis in children?

Imipramine (a Tricyclic antidepressant)


What is anti depression?

An antidepressant is an agent which counteracts depression.


How does dopamine and Seratonin react to drugs?

Drugs can impact dopamine and serotonin levels in different ways. For example, stimulant drugs like cocaine can increase dopamine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and euphoria. On the other hand, antidepressant drugs like SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain over time, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.