How does medicine work for depression?

Answer by  lcapurro812 (237)

The mechanism of action in SSRI's involves a decrease in the amount of serotonin uptake at the synapse, which increases the availablity of serotonin for recieving cells.

Answer by  pinkyts (42)

Medicine for depression works by altering the chemical reactions in your brain. SSRIs prevent the reuptake of seretonin in the brain.

Answer by  wokingdragon (56)

Many antidepressants work by blocking the reabsorption of chemicals called neurotransmitters. If they are absorbed, the "happy" messages will stop, but if this is prevented they keep firing "happy" messages.

Answer by  cindy (1484)

All antidepressents work by changing the amount of neurotransmitters present in a person's brain. For instance, the most commons ones are SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitiors). They increase the amount of serotonin in the space between nerve cells.

Answer by  G12345 (1808)

Some pathophysiological mechanism for depression involve a relative lack of serotonin in the limbic system of the brain. SSRI work by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. However, interestingly their effectiveness is not immediate, and therefore is more likely due to alterating of recptor transcription.

Answer by  YellowCup (1650)

Depression is caused by a chemical balance within the brain. Most depression medicines work balancing out the chemicals in the brain.

Answer by  amber85 (147)

Antidepressants should help improve your mood by restoring and balancing out the chemicals in the brain that can cause impulsive behavior or depression.

Answer by  Wallybingus (176)

Most antidepressants block the "uptake" of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, which makes more serotonin available in the brain. Serotonin generally acts to calm and soothe neurophysiological reactions.

Answer by  martin (522)

SSRIs prevent the nerves synapses from taking up serotonin quickly after fire, forcing the body to create more serotonin. The extra serotonin appears to relieve depression in many people.

Answer by  shastie (1601)

Basically an antidepressent helps parts of your brain. They may all work differently but genrally they will help with monoamine oxidase inhubitoes, tricyclics, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors.