Knowledge Base

Brief About Neurons, Neurotransmitters and Nervous System

Neurotransmitters play role of messenger of signals between Neurons (in nervous system) and cells. Job of Neurons is to generate and process information and transmit them with the help of Neurotransmitters. This process is called electrochemical signaling.

Since neurotransmitters carries signals from one point to the brain, it is an essential chemical for normality in brain functions. Neurotransmitters are responsible for both good functioning and malfunctioning of functions such as sleep, hunger, pain and above all mood.

What Does Anti Depressant Drugs Do?

Anti depressant drugs slows down lowering of particular Neurotransmitters known as norepinephrine and serotonin which are known to decide mood. Lack of these chemicals leads to extreme sadness, rapid change in mood, hopelessness, lack of interest in life, suicidal thoughts that are symptoms of severe depression. These drugs may also being indicated to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and menopausal symptoms.

Anti depressant drugs holds back re-absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine and thus making these natural chemicals available more in nervous system. This brings chemical balance and recedes depression symptoms.

Types of Anti Depressant Drugs

Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors

(SSRIs) Anti Depressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors drugs acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin only. Hence it shows relatively lesser side effects as compare to drugs of other class.

Tricyclic antidepressants
(Tricyclics) Anti Depressants

Drugs of class tricyclics have been used before SSRIs to treat depression. Tricyclics drugs act on both serotonin and norepinephrine, and may also interact with other neurotransmitters in the body.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

(MAOIs) Anti Depressants

MAOI drugs acts on all three neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They are called monoamines. Enzyme of brain and liver known as Monoamine Oxidase burns these three monoamines once they finish sending messages to brain.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant drugs slows down burining process of monoamines. Thus it increases neurotransmitters in body.

Anti Depressant Drugs Of Class Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Drugs that are belong to SSRIs antidepressants group are…..

• Lexapro (Escitalopram as active ingredient)
• Celexa (Citalopram as active ingredient)
• Prozac ( Fluoxetine as active ingredient)
• Paxil (Paroxetine as active ingredient)
• Zoloft (Sertraline as active ingredient)

Anti Depressant Drugs of Type Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Elavil(Amitriptyline as active ingredient)
• Norpramin (Desipramine as active ingredient)
• Tofranil (Imipramine as active ingredient)
• Aventyl, Pamelor (nortriptyline as active ingredient)

Anti Depressant Drugs of Type MAO Inhibitors

• Marplan (isocarboxazid as active ingredient)
• Nardil (phenelzine as active ingredient)
• Parnate (tranylcypromine as active ingredient)

Rest of the Anti Depressants

• Wellbutrin
• Effexor
• Effexor XR
• Remeron
• Desyrel