Antidepressants - What Is It Made Of?

What Is It Made Of?

A variety of substances have antidepressant actions. The anti-depressants available in the United States are classified in two main ways: 1) by their chemical structure, as in the case of tricyclics (three-ring structure), or 2) by their actions on neurotransmitters, as in the case of MAOIs, SSRIs, and SNRIs. Tricyclics work to increase the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrinePronounced nor-epp-ih-NEFF-run; a natural stimulant produced by the human body. and serotoninA combination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen; it is found in the brain, blood, and stomach lining and acts as a neurotransmitter and blood vessel regulator. in the

Many people experience depression at some time in their lives. Depression is a mood disorder that causes people to have feelings of overwhelming and lasting hopelessness, sadness, despair, and self-blame. Photograph by Leitha Etheridge-Sims.
Many people experience depression at some time in their lives. Depression is a mood disorder that causes people to have feelings of overwhelming and lasting hopelessness, sadness, despair, and self-blame. Photograph by Leitha Etheridge-Sims.

brain. These neurotransmitters are usually at low levels in people who suffer from depression. The problem with tricyclics is that they can affect other neurotransmitters as well, causing a number of side effects. MAOIs stop the protein in the brain known as monoamine oxidase from breaking down serotonin, norepinephrine, and another neurotransmitter called dopamine after they deliver their messages to the brain. This leaves high levels of these chemicals in the brain and subsequently keeps depression at bay.

However, MAOIs also keep monoamine oxidase from destroying tyramine (found in various foods), which can cause fatal increases in blood pressure. SSRIs were specifically designed by scientists to stop the "reuptake," or reabsorption, of only serotonin in the brain, allowing levels of serotonin to build and remain high while not affecting the levels of other chemicals. They are the most prescribed forms of antidepressants because they usually have fewer side effects and interactions with other drugs. SNRIs focus on stopping the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine so that they both build and remain at a high level.