Psychopharmacology Treatment – Different Types of Antidepressant

 

Psychopharmacology Treatment

Over the years, many different anti-depressants have been created, giving a range of options for those who struggle with their mental health. Some kinds are said to have fewer side effects than others, though this can really depend on the person taking them. Some anti-depressants can cause suicidal thoughts, which is why monitoring is extremely important. In some cases, you can order a gene test which tells you which antidepressants you may respond badly to, and which ones might suit you. This is ideal, but a very expensive process. Most doctors will go through trial and error to see which one fits their patient best. Below are the different kinds of antidepressants.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are the antidepressants most likely to be prescribed. The reason for this, is that they are less likely to cause side effects. However, this does not mean that they’re side-effect free. Some people do experience severe side effects, which is why during the first 4-6 weeks of taking the medication, the patient should be monitored by their doctor. Side effects usually calm down a few weeks in, though some people may have a different experience. Examples of SSRIs are citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline and fluoxetine. SSRIs sometimes can cause sexual problems.

Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Although SNRIs were created in the hope that they would be a more effective treatment than SSRIs for depression, there is no solid evidence of this. They are quite similar to SSRIs, except rather than just serotonin reuptake being inhibited, serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake are both inhibited, which is supposed to help the patient feel a bit more motivated. Everybody responds differently to these medications. Examples are duloxetine and venlafaxine.

Noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NASSAs)

NASSAs may be prescribed to somebody who is unable to take SSRIs for one reason or another. Side effects can be similar, but they are more likely to cause drowsiness, so it’s good to keep an eye on that. Mirtazapine would be an example of a NASSA.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclic antidepressants are an older kind of antidepressant, and they aren’t usually recommended anymore. Sometimes they’re used for other things, such as nerve pain. This is because the side effects can be to numb nerve endings. They’re a lot more dangerous when it comes to an overdose and has a lot more side effects than the above medications. Examples of TCAs that may be prescribed are amitriptyline (which can also be used for nerve pain), clomipramine, imipramine and nortriptyline.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

These are very rarely prescribed and are an older type of antidepressant. The side effects these cause can be very serious. Examples of these are phenelzine, tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid. It is unlikely for a patient to be prescribed these.

Psychopharmacology treatment can be quite complex in some cases. When prescribing these, a doctor will have to take into account any other medications that the patient already takes and how they may react with each other. Although there is a stigma that comes with medication for mental health problems, it’s important to recognise that many of the above medications are a lifesaver for those who struggle to function without them. A lot of the medications are used alongside talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy.