Encyclopedia of Drugs and Addictive Substances | Antidepressants - What Kind of Drug Is It?

What Kind of Drug Is It?

Antidepressant drugs are used to relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Depression is a mood disorder that causes people to have feelings of overwhelming and lasting hopelessness, sadness, despair, and self-blame. The condition can also bring on changes in sleeping and eating habits, a loss of pleasure, feelings of apathy, and even suicidal thoughts. Anxiety is a disorder that causes feelings of being extremely overwhelmed, restless, fearful, and worried. Symptoms of anxiety include loss of sleep, dizziness, sweating, and shaking, among others.

Antidepressants play an important role in the treatment of depression and anxiety. They help to rebalance brain chemistry so the symptoms of depression and anxiety are alleviated. A large number of people take antidepressants. Richard Jerome, writing in People, reported that "133 million prescriptions for antidepressants were written in 2002" in the United States alone.