Under Construction

There are three basic brain chemicals, neurotransmitter molecules, known chemically as monoamines, which are believed to be involved in mood regulation. Serotonin, Norepinephrine and Dopamine.
It's probably more complicated than this. I have several family members who's careers involve the brain and/or mood. I'll have them give me an update some time.

Classes of Antidepressant Medications

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) - e.g. Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline)
    Work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, allowing more serotonin to remain available.
  • Benzodiazepines - work by altering the effect of a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).e.g. Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam)
  • Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) - e.g.Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)- e.g. Nardil (phenelzine)
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCIs)- e.g. Elavil (amitryptyline)
Source: Major Classes of Antidepressants and Differences | VeryWell.com
Links:
Best Antidepressant for Anxiety - Consumer Reports
Anxiety Medications - Benzodiazepines, Buspirone & Antidepressants | Everyday Health

Return to health

last updated 10 July 2017