SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is just another name for modern antidepressants that help the body release more serotonin into the gaps between brain cells. Antidepressants that help the body release serotonin and norepinephrine are called SNRIs, which stands for serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Some authorities are using the term DRIs for double reuptake inhibitors and TRIs for triple reuptake inhibitors to describe antidepressants that stimulate the release of two or three of the neurochemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Because they act differently, antidepressants all feel different and are more effective for some individuals than others.
In general, serotonin decreases depression, anxiety, aggression, and sleep, while increasing appetite and weight gain. Serotonin antidepressants usually prolong the time to reach orgasm. Most modern antidepressants have a strong serotonin effect.
Norepinephrine generally increases physical energy, motivation, and anxiety, while decreasing appetite, weight, and sleep.
Dopamine tends to increase alertness, concentration, and optimism, while decreasing appetite.
- What predicts a good response to antidepressants?
- Are antidepressants just a crutch?
- Do antidepressants cause suicide?
- Do antidepressant drugs build up in your system over the years until your body is full of toxins?
- Are there any antidepressants that have no side effects?
- Will depression just go away on its own if I wait long enough?
- Will antidepressants help anyone who is sad or depressed feel better?
- Do antidepressants actually heal and replace damaged brain cells?
- How do antidepressants work?
- How does being seriously depressed affect my overall health?
- What can I do about my depression?
- Does low testosterone cause the same symptoms as depression?
- Are thyroid deficiency and depression related?
- Could my sleep apnea be causing my depressed symptoms?
- Could a medication I’m taking make me feel depressed?
- What is the most common medical cause of depressive symptoms?
- Could my chronic medical condition be causing symptoms of depression?
- How does the depression that follows a brain injury differ from unipolar major depression?
- What is borderline personality disorder?
- What is dysthymia?
