Tratment of Mental Breakdown With Antidepressants

Antidepressants are drugs used to treat depression. Most people with depression improve with treatment.

Most antidepressants work by slowing the elimination of some of the neurotransmitters or chemicals produced in the brain. Neurotransmitters are needed for normal brain function. Antidepressants help people with depression by increasing the availability of these chemicals in the brain. That is why their use is recommended for at least four to six months, some even for a longer time.

Antidepressants are classified into groups according to the brain chemicals on which they affect. So there are many kinds of antidepressants among which include:

Selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) or SSRIs for its acronym in English

• Citalopram (brand name Celexa)
  
• Escitalopram (brand name: Lexapro)
  
• Fluoxetine (brand name: Prozac)
  
• Paroxetine (brand names: Paxil, Pexeva)
  
• Sertraline (brand name: Zoloft)
  

These drugs tend to have fewer side effects than other antidepressants. Some side effects include dry mouth, nausea, nervousness, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), sexual problems and headache.

Tricyclics

• Amitriptyline (brand name: Elavil).
  
• Desipramine (brand name: Norpramin)
  
• Imipramine (brand name: Tofranil)
  
• Nortriptyline (brand name: Aventyl, Pamelor)
  

Common side effects caused by these medicines include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating, worsening of glaucoma, impaired thinking and tiredness. These antidepressants can also affect blood pressure and heart rate.