Anitdepressants__How_Do_They_Work__-_an_Expository_Essay

Today our lives can be very hectic and many people find they need to seek some sort of professional help at some point in their life as they feel they can no longer cope. Going as far back as we can remember, people have suffered from some sort of stress in their lives or possibly suffered more severe symptoms of depression. Wondering where to go next, they head to the doctor’s office where the doctor prescribes them anti-depressants. The patients then leave with an overwhelming feeling and are unsure of the drug given for they have absolutely no clue of what the drug is or how it works. They then proceed home and find themselves on the computer looking up the name of the prescription on the internet. Once again overwhelmed where do they go from there' There are many different types of antidepressants but what are they exactly and how do they work' How do you know if the one prescribed is for you and what are the benefits and are there any side effects' Antidepressants became known as early as the 1950’s, and people should not be ashamed if for their health they have to take them. Antidepressants are medications that stabilize chemicals, or neurotransmitters, in the brain that are producing at lower levels than normal. When people are feeling down, sad or low for a longer period of time than normal it is because of certain neurotransmitters that are running at low levels that send messages to the brain that in turn affect their mood. Studies show the neurotransmitters known as serotonin and norepinephrine are the chemicals that are associated with depression or feelings of sadness. Antidepressants work by increasing the levels in these two neurotransmitters over a period of time. People taking antidepressants will notice an increase in appetite, an improvement in sleep and in concentration; therefore, their mood improves. For most patients it takes almost four weeks for the medication to reach its full potential before they start to feel relief from symptoms because of stress or depression. Doctors advise patients to remain on antidepressants for a minimum six months or symptoms may reoccur causing a relapse of depression. There are different types of antidepressants that work on elevating different chemicals in the brain. People who suffer depression or even stress from their daily lives may have many life altering symptoms that are beyond their control. There are several symptoms: insomnia, anxiety, night sweats, lack of appetite, excessive sleeping, lack of concentration, low energy levels and loss of interest in daily activities. Different kinds of antidepressants can cater to specific symptoms as each kind is meant to target specific neurotransmitters. If patients suffer from insomnia because of depression a doctor may prescribe a sedating antidepressant that will help them sleep. If patients spend too much time sleeping a more activating antidepressant may be prescribed. It can take time for people to find the right antidepressant that works for them. An increase of the dosage may be needed or a change of medication entirely or even adding a second type. Everyone is different as is their brain chemistry too and the time it takes to get things right. It really is just the matter of finding which drug fits best. There is no way to determine which antidepressant will be effective until taken and seeing how people respond to it. When taking antidepressants and after the first initial few weeks allowing the drug to reach its potential people should start feeling some relief of their symptoms; however, some symptoms may take longer to diminish than others. People should notice their mood is lifting, feel more rested, appetite has improved and that their energy level has gone up. Eventually they experience improvement of their symptoms and return to living normal and productive lives. Along with medications come side effects and antidepressants have many side effects that subside after the first few weeks of taking them. Side effects may include headaches, nausea, night sweats, agitation and dry mouth. Many people actually stop taking the medication because of the bothersome side effects. Antidepressants have become more widely known today as depression is talked about more openly than ever before. These medications do not cure depression or other mental illnesses; although, they do relieve symptoms and make life seem more enjoyable to those who are suffering. When weighing out the pros and cons to take antidepressants people should know that if they do not feel like they are in control of their lives then the alternative may not seem so bad. Today’s antidepressants have been improved with having fewer side effects and no long term effects on people’s health. WORKS CITED Hasslebring, Bobbie. “How Do Antidepressants Work'” Discovery Health March 2010: On-line. Available: http://health.discovery.com/centers/articles/articles.html'chrome=c09&article=LC_33¢er=p06 2010. 19 Mar. 2010.