List of medications for severe depression. Pills for depression: the best remedies, drug treatment, what to drink

Mental disorders, characterized primarily by decreased mood, motor retardation, and disturbances in thinking, are serious and dangerous disease which is called depression. Many people believe that depression is not a disease and, moreover, does not pose any particular danger, which they are deeply mistaken about. Depression is quite dangerous look diseases caused by human passivity and depression.

This disease is characterized by signs of low self-esteem, indifference to one’s life, and loss of taste for it. Very often, a person with symptoms of depression finds salvation in alcohol or, worse, psychotropic substances. These substances, of course, help get rid of the signs and symptoms of the disease, but this does not resolve the issue of the cause of depression. In addition, the use of harmful substances worsens the situation and leads to complete loss of the person.

Bioton tablets

Bioton tablets - a herbal antidepressant used as a stimulant for functional disorder nervous system, depression, chronic fatigue, mental and physical fatigue. The energetic components of the herbal medicine lift your spirits and...

Remeron tablets

Remeron tablets (mirtazapine) is a tetracyclic antidepressant with a predominantly sedative effect. The drug is most effective for depressive conditions with the presence in the clinical picture of symptoms such as inability to experience pleasure and...

Selectra tablets

Selectra tablets are an antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Inhibition of serotonin reuptake leads to an increase in the concentration of this neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, enhances and prolongs its effect on postsynaptic receptor...

Chlorprothixene tablets

Chlorprothixene tablets are a neuroleptic, antipsychotic, thymoleptic, antiemetic, anticonvulsant drug. It has antiserotonin, cholinergic and adrenolytic activity. Blocks dopamine receptors in polyneuronal synapses of the brain...

Cinatropil tablets

Cinatropil tablets - combination drug, which has nootropic, antihypoxic, vasodilating effects due to the action of its components - piracetam and cinnarizine. The drug improves cerebral circulation and metabolism in the central nervous system, reducing the resistance of the smooth...

Velaxin tablets

Velaxin tablets are an antidepressant that does not chemically belong to any class of antidepressants (tricyclic, tetracyclic or others), and is a racemate of two active enantomers. The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of the drug is associated with its ability to potentiate the transmission of nerve impulses in...

Sevpram tablets

Sevpram tablets are an antidepressant, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Inhibition of serotonin reuptake leads to an increase in the concentration of this neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, enhancing and prolonging its effect on postsynaptic receptor sites. Escitalopram has no or...

Anantavati tablets

Anantavati tablets are a unique phytoneuroregulator of brain activity, restores the natural balance of the nervous system...

Neuroplant tablets

Neuroplant tablets plant based, contains as an active component dry extract of St. John's wort herb. It has antidepressant, anxiolytic and sedative effects. Dry extract from the herb St. John's wort inhibits...

Fluoxetine tablets

Tablets Fluoxetine is a propylamine derivative. The mechanism of its action is due to the selective (selective) ability to suppress the reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system. At the same time, Fluoxetine tablets have a minimal effect on metabolism...

Adepress tablets

Adepress tablets are an antidepressant, a selective inhibitor of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) reuptake by brain neurons, which determines its antidepressant effect and effectiveness in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive (OCD) and panic disorder...

Valdoxan tablets

Valdoxan tablets are intended for oral administration. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, active active ingredients quickly absorbed through its mucous membranes into the general bloodstream. Under the influence of the drug, patients lose the feeling...

Cymbalta tablets

Cymbalta tablets are a drug that has an antidepressant effect. Cymbalta contains duloxetine, a substance that is a combined norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Duloxetine slightly inhibits dopamine uptake, with virtually no...

Azafen tablets

Azafen tablets are a tricyclic antidepressant and belong to the group medicines indiscriminately inhibiting (suppressing) the neuronal uptake of monoamines. The antidepressant effectiveness of the active ingredient of the drug, pipofezin, is manifested due to its...

Melitor tablets

Melitor tablets are an antidepressant that affects the nervous system and is effective against various forms of depression, as well as desynchronization of circadian rhythms, stress and anxiety. The drug contains an active component – ​​agomelatine – which is...

Coaxil tablets

Coaxil tablets are an antidepressant from the group of tricyclic derivatives. The mechanism of action of Coaxil is associated with an increase in the reverse neuronal uptake of serotonin by neurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Increases the spontaneous activity of pyramidal cells and increases their speed...

Nervochel tablets

Nervohel tablets are a homeopathic remedy that has a sedative and hypnotic effect, relieves depression, and relieves convulsions. The listed properties of the drug are realized thanks to its composition. Nervochel tablets contain Ignacy bitters, processed...

Seroquel tablets

Seroquel tablets are an antipsychotic drug used to treat chronic and acute psychosis. Seroquel belongs to the antipsychotic drugs - neuroleptics. Active ingredient The drug, compared to dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the brain, exhibits more...

Trittico tablets

Trittico tablets are an antidepressant of the triazolopyridine group. Affects mental (affective tension, irritability, fear, insomnia) and somatic symptoms anxiety (heartbeat, headache, muscle pain, frequent urination, sweating, hyperventilation)...

Atarax tablets

Atarax tablets help provide sedative, antiemetic, antihistamine (eliminates itching and urticaria), analgesic effects, relax skeletal and smooth muscles, improve memory and attention. The use of the drug lengthens the duration of sleep, reduces the frequency of nighttime...

Alora tablets

The pharmacological effect of Alora tablets is due to the properties of the active component of plant origin - passionflower herb, containing flavonoids, harmanol alkaloids, quinones and other compounds that have a calming and less pronounced anticonvulsant...

Afobazol tablets

Symptoms of depression

Not every depression is a mental illness, to recognize the illness you need to know Clinical signs depression. There are the most recognizable symptoms of the disease, but this does not mean that they will be the same for everyone. These symptoms have been identified in patients visiting a psychiatrist. Here's what they're complaining about:

• sadness, pity, indifference,
• feeling tired, loss of energy,
• desire to isolate yourself from environment, refusal to communicate with family and friends,
• lack of interest in what has always attracted you, ignoring important responsibilities,
• irritability, giving way to causeless anger, tearfulness, disappointment, constant dissatisfaction,
• from the physical state: headache, increased or lack of appetite, sudden fluctuations in weight, decreased libido,
• sleep disorders,
• self-blaming thoughts, feelings of worthlessness and failure, hopelessness and, finally, thoughts of suicide,
• inability to concentrate, difficulty in work requiring intellectual effort.

Even a few of these signs are enough to make a diagnosis of depression.

Types of depression

In order to become familiar with the types of depression, you should not use the international classification. This is quite dry and sketchy, and even for a person who does not have a special medical education, it will be incomprehensible and uninteresting. It is better to consider the variety of depressions depending on the most known symptoms. The most significant division of depression into endogenous and reactive.

Endogenous depression (unipolar affective disorder)

Its development does not depend on external reasons and the appearance is not a consequence of any life traumatic events. But sometimes there are facts that can mislead experts. Endogenous depression is a consequence of dysfunction of the brain, nervous and endocrine systems. Most often this leads to:

• lack of endogenous amines - they have antioxidant properties (antioxidant), model and generate oxidative processes in the body, thereby preventing it from wearing out very quickly.
• reducing the level of norepinephrine, which is synthesized from dopamine mostly in the adrenal cortex, its properties resemble adrenaline. Responsible for our wakefulness and our activity, in stressful situations it provides an immediate “fight or flight” response, increases concentration, increases heart rate, and raises blood pressure
• a decrease in the level of serotonin, which affects motor activity, vascular tone, and is similar in other properties to adrenaline.

Thus, endogenous depression is a deeper disturbance of mental and physical activity. A person does not perform the simplest tasks related to self-care and the use of physical force. Often such patients experience a feeling of guilt and think about suicide with a tendency to realize it. In the case of the development of endogenous depression, psychotherapy is ineffective. Patients are severely exhausted mentally and physically in order to work with a psychotherapist and carry out his tasks. This clinical case requires unconditional treatment by a psychiatrist and, if necessary, placement in a medical hospital.

Statistics say that 50% of patients suffering from unipolar depression attempt to commit suicide; 15% still manage to complete their plans. An endogenous depressive episode lasts about 6 months, but there are deviations, plus or minus two months. Often patients recover completely when it is possible to associate the disease with some somatic (physical) disorder and eliminate the cause, and sometimes it becomes chronic and requires maintenance treatment with antidepressants for life.

Dysthymia (neurotic disorder)

Chronic mood disorder for several years. It is less malignant than endogenous depression. In another way, this condition can be called subdepression, since the symptoms are not enough to classify it as one of the types already described. The disease occurs at 20-30 years of age. The symptoms are milder, but the condition of people with dysthymia is still severe - constant depressed mood, hopelessness, sadness. The vital energy potential is low, interest in everything is lost, such people are unable to concentrate, and there is no interest in what is happening.

The first cause of dysthymia is social maladaptation, which is a consequence of deep trauma in the past: they felt in danger in childhood, suffered traumatic events that led to the loss of purpose, and as a result, dreams and basic needs were not satisfied and not realized.

The second reason is external biological disorders and associated genetic changes, as in endogenous depression.

Progress in treatment can be achieved through psychotherapy in combination with drug therapy.

Reactive depression

This is a reaction to a specific life event, such as the death of a loved one or the breakup of a love relationship. Symptoms are similar to all other types of depression, but there is a slight difference from endogenous depression, there is no feeling of guilt and remorse and delusional thoughts. Unusual long reaction on the mountain lasts about several months, and then returns to normal. Reactive depression does not require treatment as it goes away on its own. But this is exactly the case when they say “time heals,” but it is better to mitigate the symptoms and seek help from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Postpartum depression

This depression occurs in one in six women in postpartum period. Such women in labor experience feelings of pity, fear, and anxiety. The big difficulty in diagnosing this depression is distinguishing it from ordinary sadness. From two to four days after the birth of a child, strong hormonal fluctuations occur in a woman’s body. A woman who has just given birth may burst into tears for no reason, or be extremely cheerful; very often there are sleep disturbances and a feeling of fear of harming her child due to ignorance of caring for the baby. But after a few weeks everything returns to normal and the mood background stabilizes. If by the fourth or sixth month it was not possible to overcome the feeling of sadness and tearfulness, there is a high probability of developing a depressive state. Feelings of guilt, pity, and fear gradually increase and then, almost suddenly, the new mother falls into depression. Depression itself causes severe psychological and physical (bodily) discomfort, a feeling of constant fatigue and continuous sadness appears.

There are also distinctive symptoms for postpartum depression - lack of a sense of happiness, depression of mental activity, which makes it difficult to manage the household and solve everyday issues, care for oneself and the child, eating disorder - overeating or hunger, loss of sense of time (the mother may not feel the difference and do not distinguish 10 minutes from an hour), tearfulness for no reason, anxiety and panic attacks, lack of sexual interest in your partner, pain without a clear localization in the back, stomach, heart. Treatment of postpartum depression requires immediate specialized medical care, as the mother's interest in the child decreases and this can affect the baby's health. It is also very important to prevent the development postpartum psychosis(a mental disorder accompanied by inappropriate emotional reactions and actions).

Seasonal depression

Seasonal mood disorder is characterized by the fact that mood changes occur on a superficial mental level.

Depression can occur in the off-season; sometimes symptoms actively manifest themselves in winter. Patients are worried about anxiety, drowsiness, there is a clear lack of energy, sadness, hopelessness, increased appetite and weight gain, irritability, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation to act, women may experience severe premenstrual pain, and eating sweets in large quantities is typical.

The main reason for the appearance of these mood disorders is the lack of sunlight.

Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of alternating periods of mania or manic psychosis, depression and normal state. Refers to the most severe cases of mood disorders. Bipolar depression usually begins at the age of 20-30 with an episode of mania that lasts from several hours to several months. The episode itself is characterized by a sharp rise in mood, sexual liberation, high self-esteem, an influx of ideas and thoughts, even when feeling sick, the patient can “move mountains.” The clinical picture resembles the condition of a person who has taken the psychoactive substance amphetamine.

A depressive episode is similar to the previously described endogenous depression.

The causes of the disease are poorly understood. There are several hypotheses:

• poor functioning of neurotransmitters
• microtrauma or brain injury
• genetic factors
• intrauterine developmental defects

Often bipolar disorder combined with alcoholism. The disease itself leads to social maladaptation; the patient’s unusual conditions impair communication skills. The risk of suicide is very high - every fifth patient completes suicide.

Treatment of such depression is difficult, since when one episode is eliminated, it is often replaced by another. They are treated mainly with medications. Patients are under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

Features of depression in menopause

For many years it was believed that menopause causes depression, then the World Health Organization finally conducted research. According to the data, the incidence of depression in women during menopause is no higher than in the rest of the population, but depression is often combined with age-related hormonal changes. In the search for the relationship between depression and menopause, several possible causes have been identified:

• depression is caused by the loss of the possibility of procreation. As a rule, women who do not have children get sick, allegedly regretting the missed opportunity to get pregnant and start a family.
• decreased estrogen levels, which affects serotonin levels. Due to the lack of the hormone, hot flashes appear and sleep is disturbed, which can worsen depression.
• psychosocial changes such as retirement, death of a spouse, children leaving home.

Thus, there is no conclusive evidence that menopause causes depression, but it is certainly the cause that dominates the development of mood disorders. A risk factor is a history of depressive episodes. But it is not at all necessary that happy and healthy women during menopause will begin to feel depressed and sad.

Magnesium deficiency leads to depression

Even in healthy people who are not predisposed to mood disorders, a deficiency of this element can cause depression. Magnesium is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, as it is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.

A deficiency of this element results in irritability, impaired memory and concentration, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue. To avoid the development of the disease, you should include magnesium-rich foods (buckwheat, peanuts, cocoa) in your diet, and eliminate or limit the consumption of coffee and alcohol.

Features of depression in men

Not only women suffer from depression, although according to statistics, there are twice as many women with this disease. Symptoms vary slightly among men, most likely due to cultural considerations. Men think: “How can I afford this, I’m a man,” the stereotype “men don’t cry” has developed. Depression seems to impair courage, so men hide and do not seek help. Depression is considered, according to the male part of the population, “ female disease", and the image of a man is the embodiment of strength and toughness. Although sometimes women expect men to show tenderness and affection, no one wants to see a crybaby and a whiner in their home. The task of modern psychiatry is to inform society that men, just like women, are susceptible to depression. In the absence of necessary treatment, the patient's next step is suicide. For every 100 men with depression, there are 80 suicides.

Insomnia and depression

Every tenth person suffers from chronic insomnia. Alternating depression and insomnia represent a vicious circle, one disease provokes the other. As a result of lack of sleep, stress, fatigue, and bad mood accumulate. How to break this “vicious circle”, provide yourself with normal sleep and prevent the development of depression?

First of all, take care of your sleep hygiene and restore the correct daily routine. Here are the simple rules:

• do not sleep for more than 15 minutes during the day,
• be physically active throughout the day,
• avoid psychostimulants (coffee, tea),
• do not overeat at dinner, reduce intellectual stress in evening time, since they contribute to mental arousal, eat before bed,
• sleep at a temperature 3-5 degrees below normal,
• goes to bed at the same time,

Do not start taking sleeping pills as they are addictive.

Treatment of depression

Light treatment

Depression is described as a disease of civilization, so the market for services to provide assistance with this illness is growing rapidly, and technical capabilities contribute to this. More and more are constantly emerging modern methods for the treatment of diseases of this type, such as phototherapy or light therapy. In the treatment of mood disorders, visible radiation, infrared or ultraviolet light is used. The sources can be natural or specially equipped photaria.

You should also know that such an unconventional method as light therapy has found its application in the treatment of colds and allergies. Red light is used for this purpose.

The light treatment method is excellent for treating seasonal depression, when daylight hours are still short. Light treatment has a beneficial effect on the body. The fundamental mechanism is based on the properties of tissue warming, as a result of which metabolism accelerates and muscle relaxation occurs. The resulting effect was called phytochemotherapy.

Light therapy is very important in our latitudes, since the local climate does not allow many sunny days, the weather in our region significantly affects the deterioration of mood.

If the medical institutions you know are not equipped with special equipment for light therapy, then to prevent the development of depression, you can use the services of beauty salons. They often have infrared saunas, Zepter “bioptron” at their disposal, as well as, in extreme cases, solariums. It is very good to relax in hot countries in the off-season, when the sun is not so aggressive.

Treatment of depression by a psychologist

The best way to treat depression is a combination of psychotherapy and medication using pharmacological agents.

Causal treatment method is a method based on finding the cause that caused depression. Awareness of the cause is difficult for the patient, since sometimes it lies in the depths of the subconscious and causes a depressed mood. The doctor has a specific therapeutic plan for treating depression; it is based on eliminating the root causes of the symptoms that arise. The psychotherapist determines tasks for the patient, which are solved in subsequent sessions with him, and also provides incentives that will be pleasant for the patient. The session lasts about an hour, working with the patient for a longer time can exhaust his psyche, so you need to try to fit within this time frame.

The patient, under the guidance of a psychotherapist, begins to work on his own psyche. Together with the doctor, a search for memories is made, the patient answers personal questions that he kept secret for a long time.

According to Freud's teachings, pathological (morbid, incorrect) thinking is destroyed and built in a new, correct way. The key to success is close cooperation between the therapist and the patient. The doctor's role is auxiliary; he does not give any instructions. The patient goes through the entire path to recovery on his own; the doctor only guides him to the right decision. The result of this therapy is aimed at ensuring that the patient learns to think positively and does not allow negative thinking. It’s like catching bad thoughts and isolating them.

Cognitive behavioral therapy - the patient tries to systematize his thoughts according to the principle of cause and effect, trying to determine the logical connection between his actions and consequences. This method is more superficial, takes less time, and does not cause irreversible changes in the patient’s personality.

Group psychotherapy is also effective, aimed at socialization and communication of the patient with other people with a similar problem. This method helps the patient to function better in the surrounding microenvironment and recover faster.

Hide depression and survive on your own

All mental illnesses have a stigma attached to them, and the same goes for depression. However, we are not always able to experience this in secret from others, especially if we decide to really fight the disease. Having a mental illness shouldn't feel awkward, but we're afraid to even admit it to ourselves. Many people feel afraid that they will be excluded from normal society, classified as abnormal or “crazy.” Without admitting your illness and being open with people close to you, it is impossible to completely get rid of depression. Peace of mind will not be restored, the symptoms will continue to return, because you have not completed the full course of treatment. Try to get rid of prejudices; depression is not a stigma or disgrace.

Pharmacological treatment of depression

Doctors and patients have different opinions about pharmacotherapy. About 20 years ago it was believed that antidepressants should be used for symptoms of depression, but then it turned out that antidepressants have not only a therapeutic, but also a preventive effect. After stopping use, they are eliminated from the body very quickly and depression can recur. It has been established that the duration of treatment should be 6-12 months. Supportive or preventive treatment is prescribed in cases where patients have had more than three depressive episodes within a short period of time or to persons who have had more severe manifestations of the disease and have not returned to a completely normal state, also in cases of hereditary predisposition to dysphoria, with complex life situation which provokes the development of stress.

Depression comes in many forms, so the effects of taking antidepressants can be completely different, and the recovery process for patients also looks different.

Antidepressants affect all symptoms of depression or lead to their complete disappearance. Often the first sign of drug action is improved sleep. Sleep becomes deep, nightmares disappear. In another case, the sedative effect is more pronounced. Irritability decreases, symptoms of fear and anxiety decrease. But it will take at least a week, or even a month, before the patient begins to feel improved mood, serenity, complete and deeper peace.

During the entire treatment, a favorable trend always dominates. More significant improvements occur after 3-4 weeks, and depressive symptoms completely disappear after 1-2 months. There are exceptions when patients feel significantly better already from the second day of taking antidepressants.

In the vast majority of cases, treatment for depression is characterized as significantly effective and is recommended for all patients with mood disorders.

Tranquilizers or benzodiazepines to treat depression

A group of strictly prescribed narcotic drugs that have a strong sedative and anti-anxiety effect. In the treatment of depression, they are used to cover the time when the antidepressant has not yet begun to act. Then the drug is slowly withdrawn, since long-term use of the tranquilizer will cause addiction, and this is an independent disease that will complicate the course of depression.

Benzodiazepines with a more pronounced anti-anxiety effect: phenazepam, alprazolam, bromazepam, gidazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, chlorazepate, diazepam, lorazepam, medazepam, nordazepam, oxazepam, prazepam.

Tranquilizers with a hypnotic effect are used in the treatment of depression, where correction of sleep disorders is necessary, the following drugs: brotizolam, estazolam, flunitrazepam, flurazepam, loprazolam, lormetrazepam, midazolam, nimetazepam, nitrazepam, temazepam, triazolam.

Physiotherapy for depression

Electroconvulsive therapy is an aggressive method, known since 1940. Causes convulsions from electric shock. The current passes through the brain and thus achieves a positive effect in the treatment. The decision to use this type of therapy depends on the severity of depression, provided that treatment with antidepressants is ineffective.

Electrosleep therapy is low-frequency, low-power current pulses that affect the cerebral cortex and cause inhibition. Pulses are delivered to the skull using a special device through the eye sockets. Increases brain nutrition, calms, improves sleep.

Darsonvalization of the scalp and face is a rapidly decaying current of high frequency, high voltage, low strength. Relaxes, increases blood flow, nourishes tissues.

Massage - manual, hardware or self-massage is effective. Helps relax muscles and has a calming effect.

Oxygen therapy - placement in a special chamber. The effect is feeding cells with oxygen under pressure.

Prevention of depression

• Take care of yourself, be a little selfish. Give yourself a little more time, relax.
• Always get enough sleep. Go to bed at the same time, close the room from daylight, this promotes the production of melatonin (sleep hormone)
• Lead an active lifestyle. Movement is the best antidepressant. Daily walks in the fresh air give the body energy and maintain a good mood.
• Eat healthy. Think about your diet, make sure that foods are low in fat, high in protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Some products have natural ingredients that will prevent depression and help restore well-being. If you don’t know how to organize your diet, you can consult a nutritionist.
• Chat with friends and acquaintances. Depression isolates, closes you within the walls of grief. If you feel that you are not sociable, worry that your acquaintances or friends are distant from you and think badly of you, try talking to them about it. When we feel bad, our judgments about others change. If possible, try to maintain the same contacts with friends and colleagues.
• Do not use psychotropic or psychoactive substances immediately without consulting a doctor. Alcohol, drugs, sedatives(benzodiazepines) will provide only temporary relief and will cause addiction.
• If you have problems that you cannot cope with, seek the help of a psychotherapist. This will allow you to take timely action.

Content

Neurology of the 21st century has a huge number of medications that can completely cure this disease. Drugs for the treatment of depression contain substances that normalize the progression of electrical impulses in the brain and restore the human nervous system.

What are antidepressant drugs

The hormones serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transmit informational electrical impulses from one neuron to another. If their concentration drops, a decadent or, conversely, overexcited mood, obsessions, and migraines appear. Antidepressant drugs are so called because they normalize the production of hormone messengers and restore neural connections.

Antidepressants are divided into 1st and 2nd line drugs: new and long-known. Old remedies are still effective, especially for severe forms of depression, but they have many contraindications, side effects, and are incompatible with other medications. Antidepressants latest generation free from these shortcomings. First-line drugs can be taken for a long time without fear of addiction or excess weight.

What medications are prescribed for depression?

Group	Effect of drugs	Titles
1st line antidepressants
Selective inhibitors (substances that suppress the biochemical process) of serotonin reuptake.	Universal medications that can eliminate the symptoms of any form of depression. Fluoxetine, which has a mild stimulating effect, can be used for apathetic conditions.	Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), Fluvoxamine (Fevarin), Citalopram (Cipramil).
Selective serotonin reuptake stimulants.	They have a calming effect, suppress anxiety and suicidal impulses in patients.	Tianeptine (Coaxil).
	They are effective, especially in cases of anxious depressive states, and eliminate insomnia.	Mianserin (Lerivon).
Reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A.	Pirlindol calms and improves the thinking function of the brain, Moclobemide has a stimulating effect.	Pirlindol (Pyrazidol), Moclobemide (Aurorix).
Adenosylmethionine derivative.	By protecting the liver, the drug exhibits antidepressant activity, especially during relapses of the disease.	Ademethionine (Heptral).
2nd line antidepressants
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.	They have stimulating properties.	Iproniazid, Nialamid, Phenelzine.
Tricyclic antidepressants.	Particularly effective when acute conditions anxiety, fear, strong speech or motor restlessness.	Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Clomipramine, Doxylin.
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.	They have a calming effect and are often prescribed for frequent states of passion.	Maprotiline.

Additional medications for depression

In difficult cases, doctors treat depression with medications, combining antidepressants with other effective medications. This:

• Neuroleptics: Haloperidol, Truxal, Tiapridal, Perphenazine, suppressive hallucinations, fears, delusions.
• Tranquilizers: Phenazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Buspirone, Amizil, Tofisopam, Mebicar (better known as Seduxen, Valium, Elenium, Grandaxin, etc.), effective sedatives, relaxants, anticonvulsants, but highly addictive drugs.
• Nootropics: Piracetam, Phenotropil, Noofen, Glycine, which activate cerebral circulation.
• Normomitics: Mazepine, Epial, Lithium Carbonate, Konvulex, improving positive mood, relieving cramps.
• Sleeping pills: Donormil, Melaxen, Tripsidan, Flunitrazepam, Eunoctine.
• B vitamin complexes: Milgamma, Vitrum Superstress, Neurobion, Compligam B, which stimulate the synthesis of antidepressant hormones.

St. John's wort preparations

Drugs for depression are not limited to synthesized substances. St. John's wort contains hypericin, which helps preserve serotonin and norepinephrine. You should not self-medicate with depression medications, which is why many are prescription medications. However, medications based on St. John's wort are a rare exception; nevertheless, their side effects and limitations should be taken into account:

• Gelarium Hypericum tablets (Deprim tablets);
• Negrustin capsules;
• elixir Doppelhertz Nervotonic.

Over-the-counter drugs to treat depression

TO free sale allowed in pharmacies:

• Ludiomil (Maprotiline), eliminating apathy and lethargy.
• Prozac (Fluoxetine), which relieves obsessions, emotional stress, and nervous eating disorders.
• Paxil (Paroxetine), which eliminates thoughts of suicide and prevents relapses of depression (prescribed to children from 7 years of age).
• Gelarium Hypericum (Deprim), which helps with emotional exhaustion, loss of strength, and sleep disorders.
• Azafen (Pipofezin), which relieves anxiety and depression, especially after long-term use of antipsychotics.

Video

From the article you will learn about medications prescribed for the treatment of depressive conditions, indications and contraindications of medications, and side effects.

Indications for use

Anti-depression pills are drugs that seriously affect the biochemistry of the brain. The purpose of their appointment is to relieve the triad of symptoms of mental disorders and higher nervous activity. The main indications for the use of antidepressants are:

• lethargy – a disturbance in a person’s thinking;
• apathy – a complete lack of desire to do anything;
• anhedonia – loss of the ability to experience pleasure, joy, lack of motivation.

There is no standard treatment regimen for depression. Therapy methods are correlated with the form of mental disorder and severity. Correction of the condition with medications is prescribed only after a complete examination by a psychotherapist.

In order for the treatment to be not only effective, but also safe, when taking tablets for depression of different pharmacological groups adhere to general clinical principles:

• the help provided for depression must be qualified (pills are prescribed only by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist);
• medications prescribed for depression should be taken at permanent basis in accordance with the chosen duration of treatment, exceeding the dosage is strictly contraindicated;
• if necessary, additional techniques and medications of other groups are included in the complex treatment regimen;
• the withdrawal of medications included in the treatment regimen for depression is carried out gradually;
• drugs for depression require constant monitoring of the effectiveness of use: the main criterion is the absence of side effects;
• the patient is obliged to monitor his own well-being; a violation of the quality of life associated with taking medications is a reason for discontinuing medications.

Compliance with these simple and understandable rules is mandatory.

Classification

Today, drugs with different mechanisms of action are used in the treatment of depression. In accordance with this, the most common classification of tablet antidepressants is:

• tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)– mood enhancing drugs (Amitriptyline);
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), are prescribed when the first group (Pyrazidol) is insufficiently effective;
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)– modern and actively used drugs (Prozac);
• tetracyclic antidepressants, lithium preparations, anxiolytics(Lerivon, Mikalit, Afobazol).

Characteristics of drugs of different groups

Anti-depression and stress medications are used to treat depressive disorders and manic states. Finding an effective combination of medications is sometimes difficult even for a highly qualified specialist, since the biochemical processes in the human body are individual, have their own characteristics, and demonstrate unpredictable resistance to therapy.

However, psychiatrists and psychotherapists always have a list of pills for depression, which forms the basis of the patient’s effective treatment plan.

Tricyclics (TCAs)

Medicines against depression from the tricyclic group are difficult to tolerate, have many side effects, but are popular in medical practice due to the predominance of positive aspects from the reception.

The essence of the action is to control the concentration of serotonin in the cell and intercellular space. This is a normotonic effect on the nervous system, causing an increase in mood. Moreover, depression is not the only thing that can be treated with this type of medication. The drugs can relieve anxiety or significantly reduce it, like sedatives and tranquilizers.

The drugs are non-selective, therefore they affect the synthesis of dopamine, which can be dangerous in the treatment of schizophrenia or endogenous psychoses, for example. The use of funds requires special caution in the prescription.

The most popular drug is Amitriptyline - 29 rubles.

List of others:

MAO inhibitors

Drugs for the treatment of depression of the MAO inhibitor group have their own characteristics. Medicines should not be consumed with cheese, sour cream, sausage in any form, corned beef, tofu, soy sauce, marinades, smoked fish, caviar, sauerkraut, legumes, peanuts, avocado, figs, alcohol.

Such restrictions arise due to the presence of tyramine in the products. In addition, MAO inhibitors cannot be combined with cold, cough, runny nose, allergy, asthma, and many painkillers.

MAO inhibitors have a cumulative effect and act after a certain time. During treatment, there may be pressure changes, vertigo, pastosity, and weight gain. The essence of the “work” of the drugs is to suppress the synthesis of monoamine oxidase in nerve endings. This enzyme destroys the neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and serotonin) that control a person’s mood. Blocking MAO leads to an increase in the amount of mediators in the bloodstream, changing mood for the better.

Popular among drugs of the Pyrazidol group - 245 rubles.

Other tablets of the group:

SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Most modern medicines for depression - SSRI group. The drugs have selectivity (selectivity) of action, which qualitatively distinguishes them from other antidepressants. The point of application of medications is the synthesis of serotonin, which is why they are also called serotonin inhibitors.

Prozac is recognized as the most popular - 539 rubles.

The list of drugs also includes:

Tetracyclic drugs

The tetracyclic form of tablets for depression is used less frequently than the tricyclic form due to the small difference in effectiveness given the high cost of the drugs. Medicines can relieve anxiety, fear, and normalize the emotional background. The effect is cumulative, persistent and long-lasting.

The most famous medicine for depression is based on mianserin called Lerivon (1,040 rubles), based on pirlindol - Pyrazidol (245 rubles), mirtazapine - Mirtazapine canon (575 rubles). Tetracyclic antidepressants can be an excellent option if tricyclics are poorly tolerated.

Lithium preparations

In the treatment of depression, lithium is used in the form of salts. Classic depression cannot be corrected with drugs, but depression that is resistant to all other groups of drugs pathological condition is easily stopped by lithium compounds. In addition, metal-based products are effective for manic-depressive psychosis.

The disadvantage of lithium drugs in the treatment of depression is the presence of many side effects. Stopping the pills occurs slowly; abrupt withdrawal can provoke a relapse of the disease. Lithium combines well with other antidepressants.

The most famous are Mikalit (95 rubles), Sedalit (92 rubles).

Anxiolytics

Anxiolytics are a medicine for depression, anxiety and fear. Often such drugs are classified not as antidepressants, but as sedatives, nootropics, which are convenient to take at home. The essence of the action is to improve blood supply and oxygen supply to the brain, due to which cognitive functions are normalized, mental reactions are stimulated, endurance in terms of nervous overstrain and stress resistance increases.

Indicated for use in cases of neuroses, asthenia, depression, apathy, schizophrenia, and withdrawal symptoms after drinking alcohol or drugs. The remedies help with excessive suspiciousness, anxiety, and stress.

An example is Afobazol (355 rubles), Tenoten (234 rubles), Tizercin (210 rubles).

New generation antidepressants

A distinctive feature of the new generation of drugs for depression is the minimization of side effects and good tolerability with long-term use. This group includes mainly medications of the SSRI group, partly MAO inhibitors and anxiolytics.

At the beginning of 2010, Dutch pharmacologists compared new and old generation antidepressants in terms of effectiveness, tolerability, and side effects. The clinical study involved more than 25,000 patients suffering from depression. Based on the results of the data obtained, which were posted in the public domain, a list was compiled that included only the best modern antidepressants of the new generation, with virtually no side effects. Here he is:

Contraindications

Contraindications to taking medications are strictly individual due to the fact that antidepressants belong to different pharmaceutical groups. But there are also absolute (general) restrictions on the use of drugs:

• individual intolerance;
• simultaneous use with MAO inhibitors;
• disturbance in the functional potential of the kidneys and liver;
• age under 18;
• lactose intolerance;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• recent heart attack;
• unstable angina;
• hypertension;
• arrhythmias;
• convulsions, including a history;
• glaucoma;
• suicidal tendencies;
• bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes;
• history of manic state;
• cachexia;
• hyponatremia;
• dehydration;

The simultaneous use of antidepressants with diuretics and lipid-lowering drugs is prohibited.

Side effects

With the exception of the latest generation of drugs for depression, all drugs have many side effects, including:

• general symptoms: weakness, fatigue, chills, anaphylaxis up to angioedema, photosensitivity, insomnia, asthenia;
• from the nervous system: headaches, dry mucous membranes, unusual dreams, decreased potency, libido, dizziness, insomnia, increased excitability, paresthesia, stupor, confusion, depersonalization, increased muscle tone, tremor, ataxia, loss of coordination, epilepsy, aggression, suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, delirium;
• from the outside digestive system: nausea, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, pancreatitis, hepatitis;
• from the respiratory system: yawning, bronchitis, shortness of breath, pneumonia;
• from the heart and blood vessels: arterial hypertension or hypotensive syndrome, redness of the skin, presyncope and fainting, arrhythmias, tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, fibrillation, swelling of the ankles and fingers;
• from the outside hematopoietic system: ecchymosis (bleeding into the skin), gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhage into the mucous membranes, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, anemia, neutropenia, pancytopenia;
• from the outside metabolic processes: in the blood serum, loss of body weight or, on the contrary, weight gain, increased prolactin levels, hepatitis, hyponatremia, syndrome of insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone;
• from the outside genitourinary system: impaired erectile function, ejaculation, lack of orgasm, dysuria, impaired monthly cycle, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, urinary incontinence or retention;
• from the senses: mydriasis (dilation of the pupil), disturbances of accommodation, visual acuity, taste, noise or ringing in the ears, increased intraocular pressure;
• on the skin: hyperhidrosis, rashes, alopecia;
• from the musculoskeletal system: extreme degree of myopathy - rhabdomyolysis (muscle destruction).

The most unpleasant sensations that sharply reduce the patient’s quality of life can be pain in the head, migraine, a feeling of internal motor restlessness, the need to constantly move or change position - akathisia (up to suicidal thoughts and actions).

Antidepressants during pregnancy

During pregnancy, depression is a common occurrence: hormonal levels are rearranged, tearfulness and moodiness increase, fast fatiguability. These sensations are accompanied by toxicosis, which dramatically changes the woman’s usual lifestyle. But these symptoms are temporary and it is not advisable to treat them with antidepressants.

If the depressive state has another basis: deep psychological experiences ( unwanted child, absence of loved ones nearby, financial difficulties, recent stress, fear of pain in the upcoming birth), then the question of prescribing pills for depression is decided by the doctor.

The fact is that the constant negativity in which future mom, will have a bad effect on the baby’s condition, there is a possible risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and intrauterine growth retardation. In this case, treatment with adequately selected medications is not as destructive for the unborn baby as a complete refusal of medications. With the right approach to resolving the situation, medications for the treatment of depression and pregnancy are quite compatible.

Experts highlight range of acceptable means, which practically do not penetrate the placenta and have minimal impact on the child. In other words, they are relatively safe for the fetus. This includes the group of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and tricyclics, as well as some. Antidepressants allowed during pregnancy:

• Fevarin is an antidepressant with minimal effect on noradrenergic transmission, which gently improves mood for a long time;
• Triftazin is an antipsychotic, blocks postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic receptors of the brain, has a strong antiemetic effect, which is a plus for pregnant women with toxicosis;
• Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that has some analgesic properties, helps eliminate bedwetting and reduces appetite;
• Sertraline is an antidepressant that is one of the four best antidepressants of the new generation;
• Citalopram – demonstrates minimal side effects, toxic effects, and is not addictive;
• Fluoxetine – helps improve mood, reduces feelings of fear, tension, relieves dysphoria without sedation or impact on function critical systems body.

Doctors have to convince expectant mothers of the safety of taking such antidepressants, which is due to the contraindications of taking the drugs during pregnancy, indicated in the annotation. However, despite this discrepancy in the instructions, in practice, both in the Russian Federation and abroad, the negative effects of the listed drugs for depression on the fetus have been recorded.

Of course, it is better to do without medications at all during pregnancy, but sometimes a situation left to chance can be even more dangerous than the use of psychotropic drugs in the treatment of pregnant women.

Among prohibited The following should be noted when taking antidepressant medications during pregnancy:

• Paroxetine;
• Paxil;
• Venlafaxine;
• Duloxetine;
• Milnacipran;
• Cymbalta;
• Ixel.

These drugs have been studied in detail, they are negative properties confirmed by clinical observations.

Literature

1. Glushkov R.G., Andreeva N.I., Aleeva G.N. Depression in general medical practice. Regular issues of "RMZh" No. 12 dated June 24, 2005.
2. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability compared with other classes of antidepressants. Part 2, Consilium Medicum, 2007.
3. From Stress to Inflammation and Major Depressive Disorder: A Social Signal Transduction Theory of Depression, Psychol Bull. May 2014;
4. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION: DO WE HAVE ANY SOLID EVIDENCE OF INTEREST TO CLINICIANS? World Psychiatry. 2010 Oct.
5. Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA, Lancet Psychiatry Volume 3, No. 5, p481-488, May 2016.

Last updated: October 26, 2019

N06A Antidepressants

Pharmacological group

Antidepressants

pharmachologic effect

Antidepressive drugs

Indications for the use of tablets for depression

Anti-depression pills are prescribed when symptoms of stress and depression occur. Namely, if the patient experiences increased irritability, a high level of anxiety, increased feelings, which as a result cause panic fear. In a state of reactive depression, a person is constantly in a low mood, he has lost the ability to empathize with his loved ones (anhedonia), mental activity is disrupted, he does not show initiative, and is passive. He has a negative attitude in any situation, and is sure that any business he starts is doomed to failure. If you have such manifestations of depression, you should immediately contact a medical facility, otherwise they can drag on and worsen a person’s quality of life, cause serious illnesses and even be fatal.

Pharmacodynamics

Each group of drugs has its own mechanism of action.

Pharmacodynamics of tranquilizers: the patient becomes less conflicted, his internal tension is weakened, fear, anxiety, anger disappear, he stops panicking. A person is no longer as irritable as before, the level of mental excitability decreases, concentration of attention improves and the symptoms pass faster. thought processes. Sleep becomes better and longer.
Neuroleptics cause a desire to work and the disappearance of hallucinations. They have antiemetic, antihiccup, anticonvulsant and antihypertensive effects.

Sedatives cause a decrease in the patient's irritability and impulsivity. After their use, emotional stress decreases and the patient falls asleep better.

Pharmacokinetics

Taking tablets for depression orally leads to their rapid absorption and distribution in the tissues of the body. Almost 50% of the dose received is excreted from the body within two days in urine. The remaining part interacts with blood proteins and is eliminated after two weeks. For antidepressants, the speed of elimination from the body is an important criterion, since it determines the dosage of the drug, and also determines the likelihood of overdose and poisoning by its components. This parameter is important to remember because people with depression use medications in an attempt to commit suicide. The amount of antidepressants in the plasma may vary among patients. Variability is due to the individual characteristics of a person's conversion of the drug in the liver. Metabolism is influenced by a number of factors: genetic determination of the activity of cytochromes P 450, liver performance, characteristics of the drug used, and the patient’s age. Older people have a slower metabolism, so they experience side effects more quickly. In children, on the contrary, the transformation processes are accelerated, so sometimes the dosage is even increased. It should be borne in mind that the level of antidepressants in the blood plasma may change the characteristics of other drugs.

Using anti-depression pills during pregnancy

The issue of taking pills for depression during pregnancy is very relevant. As practice has shown, some drugs do not pose a threat to the unborn child, while others, on the contrary, are more dangerous to the fetus. But experts say that you cannot completely stop taking antidepressants. If a woman is depressed during pregnancy, she endangers not only herself, but also her unborn baby. Disorders of mental balance can provoke postpartum depression, so taking appropriate medications is simply necessary.

You should be especially careful in choosing treatment in the first trimester, as there is a high risk of congenital anomalies of the fetus. Therefore, for the expectant mother the best option There will be selective inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, the consequences of which will be less dire. They can only provoke headaches, diarrhea, and lead to a decrease in libido. Since pills for depression are addictive, a few weeks before giving birth, a woman should stop taking antidepressants so that such addiction is not inherited by the child. During this important period, it is allowed to take such drugs as Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Bupropion. The entire period of taking the drug should be supervised by a doctor. To calm your nerves and get rid of depression without harming the unborn child, it is better to resort to herbal medicine. The safest way is Herb tea, which may contain St. John's wort, motherwort, hawthorn fruits, sage, valerian root, thyme. Contact your herbalist and he will definitely recommend an effective decoction.

Expectant mothers should be extremely careful about taking any medication so that their children do not become another example of the “Thalidomide disaster”. She became the most prominent example in medicine when taking the untested drug Tiladomide during pregnancy caused the birth of children with deformities. It is best to first recover from depression, and then think about procreation.

Contraindications

Anti-depression pills have a number of limitations in their use. They are not prescribed if blood circulation is impaired, there are pathologies of the kidneys and/or liver, convulsive seizures occur, psychomotor irritability, thyrotoxicosis are observed, allergic reaction on the components of the drug. Antidepressants are not recommended for pregnant women, patients with persistent arterial hypotension, or in acute cases of confusion. TCAs and heterocyclic drugs are not prescribed to patients with gastric ulcers and duodenum, with pyloric stenosis, with conduction disorders of the heart muscle, during the recovery period after myocardial infarction, with hypotension of the 3rd degree, with closed glaucoma, with decompensated heart disease, with intestinal obstruction, with atony Bladder, with hypertrophy prostate gland. Antidepressants are prohibited for children under twelve years of age.

Side effects of anti-depression pills

The side effects of antidepressant drugs are manifested in sinus tachycardia, hypotension, arrhythmia, intracardiac conduction is disrupted, and functionality is inhibited bone marrow. Anti-depression pills can cause dry mouth, intestinal hypotension, and lead to urinary retention. Side effects also include decreased appetite and increased body weight, headaches and insomnia, and disruption of the cardiovascular system.

Side effects of neuroleptics are manifested in lethargy, apathy, inhibition of reactions, drowsiness, and the development of a collapsing state.

Directions for use and doses

Pills for stress and depression

Drug treatment is accepted best method elimination of mental disorders. Pills for depression short term and will get rid of the problem for a long time. There are several types of psychotropic drugs. Each of them has its own scope and is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician.

• Neuroleptics. The most powerful antipsychotic drugs. They are prescribed for severe mental disorders. They affect the area of ​​the brain that is responsible for inadequate reactions of the nervous system, depriving the patient of emotions, as well as the ability to think rationally and perceive information.
• Antidepressants. A group of medications that are used for depression and also neutralize the factors that provoke its appearance. Medicines for this type of depression are safe; they help normalize the overall emotional state and prevent the situation from worsening.
• Tranquilizers. They are characterized as a powerful psychotropic drug, similar in action to antipsychotics. But it is used much more often, and in cases where antidepressants have not had the desired effect. Tranquilizers help relieve feelings of anxiety, panic and internal tension, reduce the level of aggression.
• Nootropics. They are tablets for stress and depression, which, by acting on areas of the brain, eliminate the feeling of fatigue, improve blood circulation in the brain, and increase performance.
• Sedatives. This is a group of sedative drugs. They are used to normalize sleep, eliminate nervous tension, reduce anxiety and excitability. Thanks to them, the patient’s body reacts less to stressful situations, and the nervous system is normal.

Psychotropic drugs of any type are prescribed by a qualified specialist in this field (neurologist, psychiatrist), who will monitor the patient’s condition.

Tablets for irritability and depression

Drug treatment for depression and irritability is prescribed only by a specialist. The list of medications will include antidepressants that will improve mood and reduce irritability and nervousness. Positive result will be possible with proper selection of treatment methods.

The most effective, and therefore the most popular, are drugs such as “Nota”, “Adaptol” and “Novo-Passit”. They are also used as anti-depression pills. “Note” is used to reduce psycho-emotional stress. With the help of the drug, the patient will be able to reduce the degree of irritability, get rid of fear and unfounded anxiety, will relieve fatigue and, as a result, normalize sleep. No special restrictions have been identified, so it is prescribed even to children. Adaptol will also help cope with irritability. Will reduce the level of anxiety and tension. However, its action does not affect human performance. Novo-Passit is recommended for those people who are prone to irritability and are in a state of anxiety. Despite its effectiveness, the drug has a number of side effects (weakness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, dizziness), so its use should be under the supervision of a doctor.

Names of pills for depression

When a person constantly experiences stressful situations, they can cause many diseases. Therefore, pills for depression will be the best way out of this situation.

• Tenon
• Quatrex
• Afobazole
• Aminazine
• Levomepromazine
• Flupenticone
• Tenoten
• Esquitalopram
• Lerivon
• Lorazepam
• Phenazepam
• Alprazolam
• Stress Management
• Moclobemide
• Bethol
• Toloxatone
• Pyrazidol
• Imipramine
• Amitriptyline
• Anafranil
• Pertophan
• Trimipramine
• Azafen
• Mianserin
• Fluoxetine
• Fevarin
• Citalopram
• Sertraline
• Paroxetine
• Cymbalta
• Ephevelon
• Eglek
• Cipramil
• Frotin
• Cerebril
• Fenotropil
• Tryptisol
• Tegretol
• Sulpiride
• Stamin
• Relanium
• Remeron
• Plizil
• Persen
• Noben
• Mexidol
• Xanax
• Lutsetam
• Demanol,
• Glycine
• Heptral
• Valdoxan
• Alprazolam.

Any remedy for depression will not cause addiction if you adhere to the specified dosage, which is designed for a specific clinical case.

St. John's wort tablets

St. John's wort tablets are used to treat depression. This product belongs to the group of herbal remedies, since it is based on a dry extract of the herb St. John's wort. It has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. The drug is prescribed for psychovegetative disorders, namely apathy and bad mood; in cases of depression, which are accompanied by increased anxiety; in the presence of a neurotic state.

St. John's wort tablets relieve irritability, nervous tension, and eliminate feelings of fear. After their use, apathy and depression disappear. They have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system as a whole. The patient's sleep improves and physical activity increases. St. John's wort tablets are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, children under 12 years of age, if severe endogenous depression is present, with photodermatitis and hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets three times a day. The course of treatment is from 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the severity and effectiveness of the drug.

Side effects: nausea, bloating and pain in the abdomen, dry mouth, loose stools or constipation, itching, small rash, headache, feeling tired. These anti-depression pills should be used only after consulting a doctor.

Fluoxetine

The drug Fluoxetine belongs to the group of antidepressants. It is prescribed for the treatment of such mental illness like depression obsessive states, which are accompanied by increased anxiety and fear, sleep disorders, eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia). Systematic application reduces the level of these manifestations, has a positive effect on the patient’s mood, improves sleep and appetite. The daily dose of Fluoxetine is 2 – 3 capsules.

Duration of use – from one month to six months, depending on clinical picture disease and treatment results.

Side effects: tremor, psychomotor agitation, drowsiness, impaired attention and coordination, fever, hypotension, frequent urination, gynecological bleeding, ejaculation disorders, increased sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, itching.

contraindications: renal failure, liver problems, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, glaucoma, bladder atony, suicidal tendencies, age under 18 years.

Method of use and dosage of tablets for depression

Anti-depression pills are taken orally. The dosage of each drug depends on the patient's diagnosis and severity. It is worth noting that there are no antidepressants with an immediate effect. To achieve results, they must be used for at least seven days. Starting with a small dose, gradually increasing the volume. When the disease is cured, the dose is reduced until the drug is completely discontinued. If the effect does not occur even after a month, then the anti-depression pills must be replaced with others. For example, Nialamid, start with daily dose 2 tab. and bring it to 14; Inkazan - at the beginning of treatment, 1-2 tablets twice with a break of 12 hours, then - 10 tablets; Desimipramine – 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, gradually increasing to 8 tablets.

Antidepressants – medications, which are active in relation to depressive states. Depression is a mental disorder characterized by decreased mood, weakened motor activity, intellectual poverty, erroneous assessment of one’s “I” in the surrounding reality, and somatovegetative disorders.

Most probable cause The occurrence of depression is a biochemical theory, according to which there is a decrease in the level of neurotransmitters - nutrients in the brain, as well as a decreased sensitivity of receptors to these substances.

All drugs in this group are divided into several classes, but now let’s talk about history.

History of the discovery of antidepressants

Since ancient times, humanity has approached the issue of treating depression with different theories and hypotheses. Ancient Rome was famous for its ancient Greek physician named Soranus of Ephesus, who proposed lithium salts for the treatment of mental disorders, including depression.

As scientific and medical progress progressed, some scientists resorted to a variety of substances that were used against the war against depression - from cannabis, opium and barbiturates to amphetamine. The last of them, however, was used in the treatment of apathetic and lethargic depression, which was accompanied by stupor and refusal to eat.

The first antidepressant was synthesized in the laboratories of the Geigy company in 1948. This drug became. After this we carried out clinical researches, but they did not begin to release it until 1954, when it was received. Since then, many antidepressants have been discovered, the classification of which we will talk about later.

Magic pills - their groups

All antidepressants are divided into 2 large groups:

1. Thymiretics– drugs with a stimulating effect, which are used to treat depressive conditions with signs of depression and depression.
2. Thymoleptics– drugs with sedative properties. Treatment of depression with predominantly excitatory processes.

Indiscriminate action:

Selective action:

• block serotonin uptake– Flunisan, Sertraline, ;
• block norepinephrine uptake— Maproteline, Reboxetine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors:

• indiscriminate(inhibit monoamine oxidase A and B) – Transamine;
• electoral(inhibit monoamine oxidase A) – Autorix.

Antidepressants of other pharmacological groups - Coaxil, Mirtazapine.

Mechanism of action of antidepressants

In short, antidepressants can correct some processes occurring in the brain. Human brain consists of a colossal number of nerve cells called neurons. A neuron consists of a body (soma) and processes - axons and dendrites. The neurons communicate with each other through these processes.

It should be clarified that they communicate with each other by a synapse (synaptic cleft), which is located between them. Information from one neuron to another is transmitted using a biochemical substance - a transmitter. At the moment, about 30 different mediators are known, but the following triad is associated with depression: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine. By regulating their concentration, antidepressants correct impaired brain function due to depression.

The mechanism of action differs depending on the group of antidepressants:

1. Neuronal uptake inhibitors(non-selective action) block the reuptake of mediators - serotonin and norepinephrine.
2. Neuronal serotonin uptake inhibitors: Inhibit the process of serotonin uptake, increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. A distinctive feature of this group is the absence of m-anticholinergic activity. There is only a slight effect on α-adrenergic receptors. For this reason, such antidepressants have virtually no side effects.
3. Neuronal norepinephrine uptake inhibitors: prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine.
4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that destroys the structure of neurotransmitters, resulting in their inactivation. Monoamine oxidase exists in two forms: MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A acts on serotonin and norepinephrine, MAO-B acts on dopamine. MAO inhibitors block the action of this enzyme, thereby increasing the concentration of mediators. The drugs of choice for treating depression are often MAO-A inhibitors.

Modern classification of antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants

Information is known about effective reception antidepressants as an auxiliary pharmacotherapy for early ejaculation and smoking.

Side effects

Since these antidepressants have a diverse chemical structure and mechanism of action, side effects may vary. But all antidepressants have the following common symptoms when taking them: hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, and the development of manic syndrome.

Thymoleptics cause psychomotor retardation, drowsiness and lethargy, decreased concentration. Thymiretics can lead to psychoproductive symptoms (psychosis) and increased.

The most common side effects include:

• constipation;
• mydriasis;
• urinary retention;
• intestinal atony;
• violation of the act of swallowing;
• tachycardia;
• impairment of cognitive functions (impaired memory and learning processes).

Elderly patients may experience - disorientation, anxiety, visual hallucinations. In addition, the risk of weight gain increases, the development orthostatic hypotension, neurological disorders (,).

With long-term use - cardiotoxic effects (cardiac conduction disturbances, arrhythmias, ischemic disorders), decreased libido.

When taking selective inhibitors of neuronal serotonin uptake, the following reactions are possible: gastroenterological - dyspeptic syndrome: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, vomiting and nausea. Increased anxiety levels, insomnia, increased fatigue, tremors, impaired libido, loss of motivation and emotional dulling.

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors cause side effects such as insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, bladder atony, irritability and aggressiveness.

Tranquilizers and antidepressants: what's the difference?

From this we can conclude that tranquilizers and antidepressants have different mechanisms of action and differ significantly from each other. Tranquilizers are unable to treat depressive disorders, therefore their appointment and reception is irrational.

The power of "magic pills"

Depending on the severity of the disease and the effect of use, several groups of drugs can be distinguished.

Strong antidepressants - effectively used in the treatment of severe depression:

1. – has pronounced antidepressant and sedative properties. The onset of the therapeutic effect is observed after 2-3 weeks. Side effect: tachycardia, constipation, difficulty urinating and dry mouth.
2. Maprotiline,– similar to Imipramine.
3. Paroxetine– high antidepressant activity and anxiolytic effect. Taken once a day. The therapeutic effect develops within 1-4 weeks after the start of administration.

Mild antidepressants - prescribed in cases of moderate and mild depression:

1. Doxepin– improves mood, eliminates apathy and depression. A positive effect of therapy is observed after 2-3 weeks of taking the drug.
2. - has antidepressant, sedative and hypnotic properties.
3. Tianeptine– relieves motor retardation, improves mood, increases the overall tone of the body. Leads to the disappearance of somatic complaints caused by anxiety. Due to availability balanced action, indicated for anxious and inhibited depression.

Herbal natural antidepressants:

1. St. John's wort– contains hepericin, which has antidepressant properties.
2. Novo-Passit– it contains valerian, hops, St. John's wort, hawthorn, lemon balm. Contributes to the disappearance, and.
3. Persen– also contains a collection of herbs: peppermint, lemon balm, and valerian. Has a sedative effect.
   Hawthorn, rose hips - have sedative properties.

Our TOP 30: the best antidepressants

We analyzed almost all antidepressants that were available for sale at the end of 2016, studied reviews and compiled a list of the 30 best drugs that have virtually no side effects, but at the same time are very effective and perform their tasks well (each to their own):

1. Agomelatine– used for episodes of major depression of various origins. The effect occurs after 2 weeks.
2. – provokes inhibition of serotonin uptake, used for depressive episodes, the effect occurs after 7-14 days.
3. Azafen– used for depressive episodes. The treatment course is at least 1.5 months.
4. Azona– increases the content of serotonin, is part of the group of strong antidepressants.
5. Aleval– prevention and treatment of depressive conditions of various etiologies.
6. Amizol– prescribed for agitation, behavioral disorders, and depressive episodes.
7. – stimulation of catecholaminergic transmission. It has adrenergic blocking and anticholinergic effects. Scope of application: depressive episodes.
8. Asentra– a specific serotonin uptake inhibitor. Indicated for the treatment of depression.
9. Aurorix– MAO-A inhibitor. Used for depression and phobias.
10. Brintellix– antagonist of serotonin receptors 3, 7, 1d, agonist of serotonin receptors 1a, correction of depressive states.
11. Valdoxan– a stimulator of melatonin receptors, to a small extent a blocker of a subgroup of serotonin receptors. Therapy.
12. Velaxin– an antidepressant of another chemical group, enhances neurotransmitter activity.
13. – used for mild depression.
14. Venlaxor– a powerful serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Weak β-blocker. Treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
15. Heptor– in addition to antidepressant activity, it has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Well tolerated.
16. Herbion Hypericum– a herbal-based drug, part of the group of natural antidepressants. Prescribed for mild depression and.
17. Deprex– an antidepressant has an antihistamine effect, used in the treatment.
18. Deprefault– a serotonin uptake inhibitor, has a weak effect on dopamine and norepinephrine. There is no stimulating or sedative effect. The effect develops 2 weeks after administration.
19. – antidepressant and sedative effects occur due to the presence of St. John's wort herb extract. Approved for use in the treatment of children.
20. Doxepin– blocker of H1 serotonin receptors. The action develops 10-14 days after the start of administration. Indications -
21. Miansan– stimulator of adrenergic transmission in the brain. Prescribed for depression of various origins.
22. Miracitol– enhances the effect of serotonin, increases its content in the synapse. In combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, it causes severe side effects.
23. Negrustin– an antidepressant of plant origin. Effective for mild depressive disorders.
24. Newwelong– serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
25. Prodep– selectively blocks the uptake of serotonin, increasing its concentration. Does not cause a decrease in the activity of β-adrenergic receptors. Effective for depression.
26. Citalon– a high-precision serotonin uptake blocker with minimal effect on the concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine.

There's something for everyone

Antidepressants are most often not cheap, we have compiled a list of the most inexpensive of them in ascending order of price, with the cheapest drugs at the beginning and the more expensive ones at the end:

The truth is always beyond theory

To understand the whole point about modern, even the most best antidepressants, to understand what their benefits and harms are, it is also necessary to study the reviews of people who had to take them. As you can see, there is nothing good in taking them.

I tried to fight depression with antidepressants. I quit because the result was depressing. I looked for a lot of information about them, read many sites. There is contradictory information everywhere, but everywhere I read it, they write that there is nothing good about them. I myself experienced shaking, pain, and dilated pupils. I got scared and decided that I didn’t need them.

Three years ago, depression began, while I was running to clinics to see doctors, it was getting worse. There was no appetite, she lost interest in life, there was no sleep, her memory deteriorated. I visited a psychiatrist, he prescribed Stimulaton for me. I felt the effect after 3 months of taking it, I stopped thinking about the disease. I drank for about 10 months. Helped me.

Karina, 27

It is important to remember that antidepressants are not harmless drugs and you should consult your doctor before using them. He will be able to choose the right drug and its dosage.

You should monitor your mental health and contact specialized institutions in a timely manner so as not to aggravate the situation, but to get rid of the disease in time.