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Tricyclic Antidepression Drugs: Are they safe?

Tricyclic Antidepression Drugs: Are they safe?









How do tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs work?

Antidepressants are a class of drugs that work on the neurotransmitters in the brain to correct their chemical imbalances and thus reduce the symptoms of depressive disorders.

Neurotransmitters are essential communication links between the nerve cells in the brain. They reside within the vesicles found in nerve cells and transmit signals from one nerve cell to another target nerve cell, muscle cell or gland cell.

When the neurotransmitters are not taken up by other nerves, they are taken back by the same nerves, and the process is called ‘reuptake’. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (also goes by the name of noradrenaline) are the prevalent neurotransmitters in the brain associated with depression.

Antidepressants or anti-depression drugs, in general, target a specific neurotransmitter and inhibit their reuptake causing their levels to rise up around the nerves within the brain. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI antidepressant drug, for example, affect the serotonin levels in the brain.

The serotonin is one of the several chemicals involved in the transmission of messages between the brain cells. It is commonly known as the ‘feel-good chemical’ as it causes a relaxed state of well-being.

Generally, serotonin circulates in the brain before being absorbed into the bloodstream. SSRIs help to prevent the absorption of serotonin in the blood due to which a higher level of serotonin is maintained in the brain. Low levels of serotonin are linked with depression, and conversely, increased levels of the chemical can help relieve depression.

One thing to note here is that SSRIs don’t make the body produce more serotonin. They only help the body to utilize it more effectively without causing major side effects. Hence, SSRIs are probably the best drugs for depression and anxiety treatment.

Some examples of tricyclic antidepressant medications are amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine, protriptyline (Vivactil), clomipramine (Anafranil), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), trimipramine (Surmontil).

Examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for depression treatment are citalopram (Celexa), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), sertraline (Zoloft).

SSRI Safety

SSRIs are generally prescribed by doctors before any other depression medication because they come with fewer side effects. Although there are certain side effects involved with the use of SSRIs, people can hardly cause any damage to themselves by taking an SSRI. However, it is advisable to exercise some caution while taking SSRIs, especially by children and pregnant women.

In pregnant women, SSRIs may increase the chances of heart and lung problems and certain birth defects. But leaving depression untreated can also have a negative impact on pregnancy as well. So, doctors and pregnant women need to compare the risks of taking SSRI treatment to the risks of untreated depression.

To reduce the risks, pregnant women can go for different SSRI to treat their depression. For instance, Paroxetine (Paxil) is associated with heart defects, brain disorders and breathing problems in new-borns. So, doctors recommend switching to fluoxetine (Prozac) or citalopram (Celexa) during pregnancy as they are known to produce no serious side effects.

Do we somewhere need to give a disclaimer that these are just suggestsions and educative in nature. They have to visit their doctor/ psychiatrist for advice and has to be under supervision. For this and for the others too where we have given explanation about specific drugs and effect on neurotransmittter. 

Get Help

Depression is treatable and seeking help can ensure a better quality of life. It’s never too late for recovery, reach out to Cadabam’s Rehab @ +91 96111 94949.

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