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There are many drugs as well as natural supplements that may help you with
depression. Depression can occur if the brain is not functioning properly. If
the neurotransmitters are not doing what they are meant to do it can cause
depression.
The three main neurotransmitters involved in depression are dopamine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin. When brain levels of one or more neurotransmitter
are low or unbalanced, depression and other conditions can result. Generally,
antidepressant drugs work by increasing the production or decreasing the
breakdown of one or more neurotransmitter.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Currently the most prescribed type of antidepressants in the U.S., selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors primarily affect serotonin levels, Serotonin may
influence mood more than the other neurotransmitters do. Abnormally low levels
of serotonin not only play a role in depression; they also contribute to other
conditions such as eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic
disorder, and social anxiety disorder. By blocking the bodys reabsorption of
serotonin and possibly increasing serotonin release, SSRIs keep more serotonin
in the brain.
There are several kinds of antidepressants available and everyone reacts
differently to the different classes of medications. The choice of an
antidepressant depends on factors that include:
type of depression being treated
doctor's experience
other medical conditions the patient may have
other medications the patient takes
patients response to previous therapy
patients prescription formulary
Deciding which SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to use first
generally depends on the doctor's experience, the specific type of depression
being treated, the patients response to previous therapy, other medical
conditions the patient may have, and other medications the patient takes.
Citalopram is an antidepressant drug used to treat major depression
associated with mood disorders. It is also used on occasion in the
treatment of body dysmorphic disorder and anxiety.
escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex, Esertia)
Escitalopram (trade names Lexapro, Cipralex) is the pure enantiomer
of citalopram and is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It
is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and
generalized anxiety disorder; other indications include social anxiety
disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Escitalopram
is noted for its high selectivity of serotonin reuptake inhibition and,
as a result has fewer side effects not related to its serotonergic
activity. Escitalopram acts by increasing intrasynaptic levels of the
neurotransmitter serotonin by blocking the reuptake of the
neurotransmitter into the neuron.
Fluoxetine is approved for the treatment of major depression
(including pediatric depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder (in both
adult and pediatric populations), bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa,
panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) is an antidepressant which functions as a
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is most often used to treat
obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine is widely prescribed to treat
major depression, and anxiety disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social
Phobia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Fluvoxamine is indicated for
children and adolescents with OCD.
Paroxetine is primarily used to treat the symptoms of major
depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),
social phobia/social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric
disorder (PMDD). It was the first antidepressant formally approved in
the United States for the treatment of panic attacks. The prescription
of this drug is controversial because of side effects such as suicidal
ideation (thoughts of suicide) and withdrawal syndrome which have
resulted in legal proceedings against the manufacturer.
sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain)
Sertraline is primarily used to treat major depression in adult
outpatients as well as obsessive-compulsive, panic and social anxiety
disorders in both adults and children. Sertraline is highly effective
for the treatment of panic disorder, but cognitive behavioral therapy is
a better treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, whether by itself
or in combination with sertraline. Although approved for social phobia
and posttraumatic stress disorder, sertraline leads to only modest
improvement in these conditions. Sertraline also alleviates the symptoms
of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and can be used in sub-therapeutic
doses or intermittently for its treatment.
The main indication for SSRIs is clinical depression. SSRIs are frequently
prescribed for anxiety disorders like social anxiety, panic disorders,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, chronic pain, and
occasionally for Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Though not specifically
indicated by the manufacturers, they are sometimes prescribed to treat irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), Lichen simplex chronicus, and premature ejaculation.
Almost all SSRIs are known to cause one or more of these symptoms:
nausea
drowsiness
headache
clenching of teeth
extremely vivid and strange dreams
dizziness
changes in appetite
weight loss/gain
may result in a double risk of bone fractures and injuries
changes in sexual behavior
increased feelings of depression and anxiety
tremors
liver or renal impairment
suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide)
Photosensitivity (increased risk of sunburn) (Use protective clothing,
such as long sleeves and hats, and sunscreen to decrease the risk of
sunburn.)
The goal of Exulin is to assist in the removal of symptoms associated with
your depression and to help you return to what you construe as a normal way of
life. Depression is a serious condition that should be managed like any other
major disease condition. And like major illnesses, the longer you avoid
treatment, the more difficult depression is to treat.
Exulin is a unique alternative therapy. Not only are its ingredients all
natural, studies indicate that the ingredients found in this comprehensive
formula are extremely effective at maximizing your body's natural production of
serotonin.
A few ingredients in Exulin are:
L-Phenylalanine - This amino acid is required for the production
of neurotransmitters.
Rhodiola Rosea Ext. - This botanical's chemical constituents aid
in transporting nutrients to the brain; including tryptophan, 5-HTP, and
serotonin. In addition, Rhodiola may be helpful for decreasing the enzymes
that break down serotonin.
Vitamin B6 - B-vitamin compounds are important for the conversion
of tryptophan into serotonin. Deficiencies in vitamin B6 have been
associated with depression and anxiety.
Folic Acid - Doctors at the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard
Medical School suggest that depressive symptoms can be a sign of an
underlying folic acid deficiency.
Gingko Biloba Ext. - Often used in combination with St. John's
Wort to help with severe cases of depression, this popular herb improves
circulation throughout the body, including the brain.
