At present we do not have a full understanding of how anti-depressants work. We do know that most all anti-depressants seem to affect a certain group of chemicals in the body called "monaoamines." The monoamines affect how we think and feel. The most commonly known monoamine is serotonin. It is suspected that by changing the levels of monoamines in our brains, the antidepressants help alleviate depression.

Precautions for tricyclic anti- depressants: Do not start with full dose immediately. The effect may not show until after 4-8 weeks. They should not be taken together with certain heart medications like digoxin and certain medications used to treat seizures such as phenytoin. See similar questions...

There are side effects to all medications but the newer medications, the SSRI's, are very user-friendly and have very few side effects. See similar questions...

They can be used if they are administered with care by an informed child psychiatrist. That administration should always accompanied by effective child therapy (in a playroom with younger children.) See similar questions...

Miss yesterday's headlines? Check our new improved archive format Get the latest pharma and biotech news releases here I heard of a Patient that had a anaph. shck when she took Avelox. Couldn't see why the family wouldn't sue. I say sue the bastards!!! I heard of a Patient that had a anaph. shck when she took Avelox. Couldn't see why the family wouldn't sue. See similar questions...

Atypical Antidepressants are sometimes used for adolescents, however they have not been approved for use in individuals under 18. They work by balancing chemicals in the brain to relieve depression. (Back to top) See similar questions...

The tricyclic antidepressants can provide relief for some neuropathic pain, particularly pain that the patient describes as burning, tingling, numb, painful to a light touch or like pins and needles. Amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor) are the most commonly used. Start with 25mg per day. Typically, these medications are increased by 25mg every 3 days until the patient has pain relief or encounters unacceptable side effects. See similar questions...

Yes, there are four types of antidepressants. SSRIs, TCAs, and Atypical Antidepressants are the only ones used for adolescents and children. (Back to top) See similar questions...

No, none of the SSRI varieties: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, etc., The older Tryicyclics such as Elavil are OK. You can not take these drugs if you are on a MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl, Parnate, Marplan and Nardil. See similar questions...

A study of major depressive disorder in children and teens that showed that sertraline is slightly more effective than placebo. It also had more side effects. This really is an important study. Kids are already taking Zoloft, and we need to understand the implications of this. Some of the results are troubling, though. There are other disorders that can cause symptoms similar to depression. Here are some ways to tell what's what. See similar questions...

Venlafaxine seems to have the relative freedom from side-effects associated with the SSRIs [fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluvoxamine (Luvox)] and the impact on both serotonin and norepinephrine associated with the tricyclic antidepressants [amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), etc.]. See similar questions...

The answer is no. A person cannot become addicted although he/she takes anti-depressant medications for months or years. Persons who take insulin and high blood See similar questions...

One possibly important way in which nefazodone differs from other SSRIs is that while use of SSRIs is often associated with sexual dysfunction and sleep disturbances, these side-effects have been reported infrequently in people taking nefazodone. See similar questions...

Recent studies have suggested that some herbal treatments, such as St. John’s Wort, may interfere with the positive actions of other prescribed medications. These types of treatments are also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so product ingredients can differ from brand to brand. It is therefore advisable to speak to your doctor if you are taking any herbal treatments, so that you and your doctor can come to the best decision about your care. See similar questions...

Nearly all antidepressants and many anti-anxiety medications are non-addictive; however, benzodiazepine medications, which are in the same family as Valium, can be addictive. If you have anxiety and a history of alcohol or drug abuse, tell your physician about your addiction history. See similar questions...

Many medications have side effects. They are classified based on a number of factors, including whether they sedate (i.e., dull the senses), alter blood pressure, effect sexual function, are habit-forming, impact the digestive system, cause agitation or effect sleep. If your doctor recommends an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicine, be sure to talk about its possible side effects. See similar questions...