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15.2: Neurotransmitters and Antidepressants

Last updated

Aug 20, 2021
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- 15.1: A Drug's Life
- 15.3: Analgesics

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Neurotransmitters

The nervous system is made of nerve cells called neurons. These cells help with the transmissions of messages. Chemicals called neurotransmitters assist in the transmission of messages across gaps or synapses.

Figure $\PageIndex{1}$ : Generic Neurotransmitter System. (Copyright, NIDA(NIH)).

One theory that explains mental illness incorporates the various amounts of neurotransmitters. Using this theory, the lack or excess of specific neurotransmitters can be associated with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Other disorders or health conditions, namely Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's Disease have also been linked with varying levels of neurotransmitters.

Figure $\PageIndex{2}$ : The Structures of Neurotransmitters.(CC BY-NC-ND; Andy Brunning)

The Noradrenaline neurotransmitter is also called norepinephrine. When evaluating antidepressants or other mental health medications, it is important to be aware of this terminology. For a brief overview of the correlation between neurotransmitters and mental health, watch the video below.

Mental health conditions can result from a person's life experiences and/or genetics. Sometimes, drug usage or brain trauma can trigger mental illness. It is important to note all health conditions that are present in your family tree (biological). Also, recognizing emotional trauma and then seeking counseling/medical treatment is important for navigating a mental health condition.

Figure $\PageIndex{3}$ : Nason family picture circa 1905. Image courtesy of Elizabeth R. Gordon

Depression symptoms

Can be short or long-term. Experience-sadness, sleeping and eating issues, withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest/pleasure, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, slowed processing, trouble concentrating, frequent thought of suicide/death, anxiety, and unexplained health problems.

Treatments for depression

psychotherapy, brain stimulation, medication, exercise, light therapy. Discussions to have with dr: meds/vitamins you are on, self-medication is not answer, stopping antidepressants without assistance, and report problems with meds. Limit alcohol and refrain from illicit and scheduled drugs. FDA black-box warning for antidepressants in people under 25.

Antidepressant Medications

Figure $\PageIndex{4}$ : Major Classes of Antidepressant Drugs.(CC BY-NC-ND; Andy Brunning)

Finding the correct antidepressant

Trial and Error-take for six weeks, then wean, and start another. Since the early 2000's, Mayo Clinic has been researching gene technology. Test is now offered by Assurex Health and called Genesight.

https://genesight.com/gene-test-for-...surex%20Health

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

This carry varies with the patient and type of medicine. Most common include weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, loss of sexual desire, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, agitation, insomnia, and constipation.

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Neurotransmitters

Depression symptoms

Treatments for depression

Antidepressant Medications

Finding the correct antidepressant

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

Support and information regarding mental health conditions.

Neurotransmitters

Depression symptoms

Treatments for depression

Antidepressant Medications

Finding the correct antidepressant

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

Support and information regarding mental health conditions.

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