Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat depressive disorders and various anxiety disorders.
Fundamentals
Section titled “Fundamentals”What Is Depression?
Section titled “What Is Depression?”In contrast to everyday mood swings, depression is a common and serious illness. To this day, the cause is not fully understood.
Much evidence suggests that the interplay of various neurotransmitters in the brain is disrupted. The symptoms can be improved by medications that enhance the effect of certain neurotransmitters — primarily serotonin and norepinephrine.
Seroxat (Paroxetine)
Section titled “Seroxat (Paroxetine)”Paroxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI).
Mechanism of Action
Section titled “Mechanism of Action”The active substance blocks transport molecules that return serotonin to its storage sites after signal transmission. Serotonin remains longer at the site of action, and its effectiveness increases.
Effects:
- Mood-elevating
- Anxiolytic
- Generally no sedating or dampening effect
- Reduces or prevents involuntarily recurring thoughts/actions (obsessive-compulsive disorders)
Onset of Action
Section titled “Onset of Action”The effect begins after about one week — full effectiveness may not develop until two to four weeks.
Indications
Section titled “Indications”- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (intrusive, compulsive thoughts or actions perceived as senseless)
- Panic disorder
- Social phobia (pronounced insecurity in social interactions)
Package Sizes
Section titled “Package Sizes”- 150 ml (N1)
Warnings
Section titled “Warnings”Contraindications
Section titled “Contraindications”The medication is not suitable for:
- Simultaneous use of MAO inhibitors
- Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Section titled “Pregnancy and Breastfeeding”Do not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Section titled “Side Effects”- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Increased sweating
- Itching
- General weakness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sensory disturbances (burning or numbness)
Interactions
Section titled “Interactions”- In combination with anticoagulants: increased bleeding tendency
- Alcohol and other sedating substances intensify the effect
Overview: Antidepressant Groups
Section titled “Overview: Antidepressant Groups”Thymoanaleptics
Section titled “Thymoanaleptics”Effect: Mood-elevating to stimulating/exciting
Use:
- Treatment of depression
- Mood-elevating
- Drive-enhancing
- Anxiolytic
Examples:
- Seroxat, Paroxat
- Tofranil
- Nortrilen
- Surmontril
- Imipramine
- Cipralex
- Trevilor
MAO Inhibitors (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
Section titled “MAO Inhibitors (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)”More strongly drive-enhancing and less strongly mood-dampening than other antidepressants.
Example: Niamid
Interaction Risk
MAO inhibitors have a high potential for interactions with other medications and certain foods (tyramine-containing).
Seroquel (Quetiapine)
Section titled “Seroquel (Quetiapine)”Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic from the group of atypical neuroleptics.
Indications
Section titled “Indications”- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder)
General Information About Psychotropic Drugs
Section titled “General Information About Psychotropic Drugs”Important Principles
Section titled “Important Principles”-
Medications cannot cure — but they can have a supportive effect on the healing process and a stabilizing effect
-
Medication abuse is significantly higher than alcohol abuse — the addiction potential is far worse than with alcohol
-
Never stop on your own — always in consultation with the treating physician
Overview of Psychotropic Drug Groups
Section titled “Overview of Psychotropic Drug Groups”| Group | Effect | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroleptics | Dampening/inhibiting to sedating | Haloperidol, Seroquel |
| Tranquilizers | Sedating to sleep-inducing | Diazepam, Ativan |
| Hypnotics | Sleep-inducing to narcotic | Valium, Zopiclone |
| Analeptics | Anticonvulsant/circulatory stimulant | Caffeine, Effortil |
| Stimulants | Performance-enhancing, sleep-postponing | Methylphenidate |
| Thymoanaleptics | Drive-enhancing to stimulating | Seroxat, Cipralex |
This patient information does not claim to be comprehensive and does not replace consultation with a doctor or pharmacist.