📌 Introduction
Antidepressant drugs are used to treat depression and other mood disorders. Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and reduced energy.
This topic is very important for GPAT, DSSSB, and other pharmacy exams.
🔍 What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder caused by imbalance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain.
Symptoms:
• Sadness
• Loss of interest
• Sleep disturbance
• Fatigue
📝 Classification of Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants are classified into:
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Examples: Fluoxetine, Sertraline
• TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants)
Examples: Amitriptyline
• MAO Inhibitors
Examples: Phenelzine
• Atypical Antidepressants
Examples: Bupropion
🧬 Mechanism of Action
• SSRIs → increase serotonin levels
• TCAs → increase serotonin & norepinephrine
• MAO inhibitors → prevent breakdown of monoamines
• Overall → improve mood and emotional balance
🩺 Pharmacological Effects
• Elevate mood
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Increase energy
💊 Therapeutic Uses
Used in:
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• OCD
• Panic disorder
🚨 Side Effects
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Weight gain
• Sexual dysfunction
📑 Important Exam Points
• SSRIs → first-line drugs
• Fluoxetine → commonly used
• TCAs → more side effects
• MAO inhibitors → dietary restrictions
🛑 Precautions
• Avoid sudden withdrawal
• Monitor patients closely
• Avoid drug interactions
🎯 Conclusion
Antidepressant drugs play an important role in managing depression and related disorders. Understanding their classification, mechanism, and uses is essential for exams.
👉 Practice MCQs in evening post
1 thought on “Antidepressant Drugs: Classification, Mechanism, Uses & Side Effects”