Antidepressant Medication - Overview and Classification
Researchers hypothesize symptoms of depression are attributed to an unbalanced functioning of neurotransmitters -- several recognized are norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters influence daily functioning by affecting sleep, mood, attention, concentration, energy, motivation, pleasure, appetite and much more. When these neurotransmitters are malfunctioning in any way it can lead to a "chemical imbalance," resulting in personal difficulties. Medication is used to deliver chemical compounds to the brain, which will alter the connections that are having complications.
Current medication has been proven to work in a variety of ways:
- Increasing the amount of neurotransmitters being produced.
- Blocking neurotransmitters.
- Binding to receptor sites, and temporarily disabling the neurotransmitter.
- Preventing the enzymes that break down neurotransmitters.
- Changing the interaction between neurotransmitters and how they connect to their receptor site.
Classifications of Medication:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's), a second-generation medication used to selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. Medication Examples: Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), this medication increases norepephrine and serotonin, while also inhibiting the breakdown of the molecules stored in the neurons, which allows for a larger supply of neurotransmission to be stored. Medication Examples: Nardil, Emsam, and Parnate.
- Norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, these take effect by inhibiting the reuptake mechanism, which allows the neurotransmitter to be stored and used at a later time. This allows for a more powerful neurotransmitter when needed. Medication Examples: Effexor, Cymbalta, Elavil, Anafranil, and Tofranil.
- Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, this medication selectively prevents reuptake, which wants to store the neurotransmitter. Medication Examples: Norpramin, Pamelor, and Aventyl.
- Dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, Medication Example: Wellbutrin.
- Serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitor- Medication Example: Serzone.
Resources:
Patterson, J. The therapist's guide to psychopharmacology : working with patients, families, and physicians to optimize care (Revised ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
