There is a lot of talk about depression and it is not uncommon for an individual to present symptoms of sadness, mood disturbances, lack of interest in activities that they previously liked, and, after going to the doctor, they receive a diagnosis of depression. But do we know which is the best medication for the treatment of depression? In this Psychology-Online article, we are going to explain the types and functions of antidepressants, which is the most effective medication and also what is the best treatment for depression. Keep reading to know what is the best medicine for depression.
Types and functions of antidepressant medications
In the pharmaceutical market there are many types of antidepressant medications, we are going to explain each of them.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
This medication treats depression by increasing levels of it in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for transporting signals between neurons.
Thus, this remedy blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in neurons. This way, more serotonin is available to improve the transmission of messages between neurons. They are responsible for improving the individual’s mood and relieving the symptoms of moderate to severe depression.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
That type of medication works by making changes in brain chemistry and in the communication of brain nerve cell circuits that are known to regulate mood, to help relieve depression. They work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. in the brain. They are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and chronic pain.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
It is a medication that is intended to relieve depression because it works by affecting the neurotransmitters used to communicate between brain cells. It was the first antidepressant developed, it is effective, but it has been replaced by other safer medications with fewer side effects.
Using this medication requires a strict diet due to dangerous interactions with some foods, medications, and even herbal supplements.
Atypical antidepressants
These antidepressants are not common, as they differ from other classes of antidepressants. Each of them is a unique medicine that works differently from the other.
They are responsible for change the levels of one or more neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, or norepinephrine.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
They are responsible for block the reabsorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which increases the levels of these two neurotransmitters in the brain.
Although it is a type of antidepressant that causes many side effectsmay be a good option for some people who in certain cases other treatments have failed.
Tetracyclic antidepressants (TCA)
They are antidepressants that act on various neurotransmitters. Responsible for affecting brain chemicals to relieve symptoms of depression. Among all types of antidepressants, this is what causes fewer side effects.
In the following article, you can see more information about the .
What is the most effective medication for depression?
There are many variations and differences between drugs on the market, since the mechanism of action is different for each class of antidepressant and, consequently, it will have different effects on each type of patient. To know which is the best medication for depression we have to take into account the individual’s profile in relation to the following factors:
- Symptoms: The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. Some individuals, for example, may be suffering with sleep problems while others are not.
- Side effects: Some individuals may experience side effects with one type of medication while another person does not.
- Interaction with other medications: There are individuals who, in addition to treating depression with drugs, use other medications for other diseases. We must be attentive to the interaction between the substances as they can often be dangerous.
- Pregnancy: In the case of pregnant women, it is common to suspend the use of medications, but this is an issue to be discussed with your doctor, since some drugs pose a risk to pregnancy. In this article, we talk about the .
- Cost: Some medications can be expensive, so it is necessary to verify the existence of a generic version that meets the same effectiveness.
It is important to say that for the individual to obtain a better result with the use of antidepressants, it is essential that they be patient, since these drugs take a few weeks to begin to take effect. Here we explain. They must also take it correctly in relation to the schedule and dose.
Finally, Combining the use of antidepressants with psychotherapy results in significant improvements.
What is the best treatment for depression
The best treatment for depression is one that truly improves the individual’s life. Of course there are cases of mild depression to the most serious ones, so when a person observes symptoms of depression their first attitude should be to seek a doctor and a psychologist.
The doctor will do an evaluation regarding your symptoms, choosing the best antidepressant that suits your profile to start treatment with a drug.
Parallel to that, the individual must seek psychological help by frequenting psychotherapy, it is important that the person talk about their thoughts and emotions, since the objective of psychotherapy is to help the individual produce changes in their life. In the following article, we explain the .
Finally, in addition to the doctor and the psychologist, it is up to the individual to actively participate in this process, making some changes in their routine habits, looking for activities that allow them to feel good, be it a meditation, talking with friends, listening to music or whatever you feel like, but change is very important, the speed does not matter, what matters is taking the first step in the direction of your life change.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20044970
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046983
- Medline Plus. (2020). The most prescribed antidepressants and how they work. Retrieved from: https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/es/art%C3%ADculo/los-antidepresivos-mas-recetados-y-como-actuan