Are there different types of anti depressants?

Question

And that's why it's important for a doctor to prescribe it, even if you can legally buy it on your own? Are they drastically different like for specific people and what symptoms they display? This is just a curiosity question, I don't want to put myself on antidepressants unnecessarily =]

Answer 1

Yes. There are different types of Anti-depressants, each effect different brain chemicals, are structured differently, and cause different side effects.

One group are called Trycyclic Anti-Depressants. These carry the higest risk of cardiovascualar effects, so best to stay away from if you have high risk for cardiovasacular disease or have had a heart attack.

Another group, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, or MAOIs, require a special diet, because even certain foods, drinks, and many other drugs, can have serious or fatal effects when combined with MAOIs.

The most common prescribed group of antidepressants, the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a safer class of antidepressants. They've been found not to have the serious risks as did the older meds. These drugs are fairly new, from within the last 15 years, like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro. These drugs are used for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, social anxieties, ptsd, pmdd, as well as eating disorders, bipolar depression, and mild add.

Other drugs that are not in these groups are called a-typical anti-depressants. These drugs include Wellbutrin, Effexor, and Cymbalta. These drugs work by affecting several brain chemicals thought to be imbalanced by depression, as well as having the lowest risk of sexual difficulties.

Hope this information helps and have a great day and best of luck to you,
Andy...

Answer 2

Yes . Antidepressants work differently for different people and they are not the same . It is important to be evaluated first by a pychirist. The doctor will put you on the right medication that works best for the patient. He also closely monitors the patient for side affects and how the medication is working.

Answer 3

There are a ton of antidepressant meds. They work differently but they all work for the same reason(depression). Some do develope symptoms like excessive sweating or high heart rate etc. If there is symptoms, tell your doctor and they will change it to another pill.

Answer 4

Because depression presents differently in different people,doctors have to treat thier patients on a one-on-one basis.And yes,they can be drastically different,depending on the individual.Symptoms vary widely,isolating,sleeping more tham ten hours,difficulty geeting up,lethargy,feelings of desponence,helplessness,etc.Or the Gods forbid,suicidal impulses.TL

Answer 5

Never take medications unless the meds. are really needed.
There are ant-depressants such as Zoloft,Wellbutrin,Paxil and many more. Try exercise or get into a hobby try a art class anything but medications. I would try Natural Health Food Stores. Also there can be thyroid or diabete that can mimic depression. This is not depression and can be regulated with just exercise. Try a Vacation by the ocean.

Answer 6

Yes. There are quite a few and the results vary drastically from person to person. For the most part, they are quite safe, but if going on them for the first time. I would definitely want to be under the care of a physician.

Answer 7

Yes and it's important that a doctor prescribes a medicine specifically for you because it's for your own safety (instead of ingesting something that might not agree with you).

Answer 8

there are several different types.. i've been on many. the one i found to work the best is effexor xr. for me, it had very little side effects. the main one however, is that it didn't allow me to eat very much (which was a miracle in my case!) and as a result, i lost about 60 pounds. the doc said it had something to do with a chemical in my stomach that interacted with the anti.. you should talk with your doctor if you're considering them..

Answer 9

yes theres many different types. You cant buy them on your own, you have to be diagnosed. Theres different types because everyone is different and might need a higher or lower dosage depending on the person.

Answer 10

They are 'brands' but different ones work for different people, I went through three types before I found one that worked for me. Doctors have their own 'favourites' but should offer different ones if they first one doesn't suit you. As for Zoloft being for shy people it would work slightly different for different people. As for me Aropax works wonders for anxiety.