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Definition: Anti-depressant (antidepressant)

An antidepressant is a medication used for treating clinical depression. Most modern anti-depressants are SSRIs, for example Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, and Celexa which act on Serotonin alone or tricyclics and MAO inhibitors which act on serotonin and noradrenaline. The effects of antidepressants are rarely immediate and normally require between several days and several weeks to take effect.

Some people experience side effects with anti-depressants, including anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches and dizziness.

When ceasing to take anti-depressants it is important to do so under medical supervision, as stopping suddenly can have undesirable. side effects.

Further information

* Depression Forum

* Depression Learning Path
Run by Uncommon Knowledge, the Depression Learning Path is a free online guide to the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression, including reviews of anti-depressants and other drug treatments, teen depression, drug withdrawal symptoms, self help approaches and depression therapy. Information in the Learning Path includes:
Withdrawal from Antidepressants
Anti-depressant Side Effects
Anti-depressant alternative - St John's Wort