Antidepressants

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Antidepressants

Antidepressants (/æntɪdɪˈprɛsənts/) are a class of medications that are primarily used to treat depression. They can also be used for other mental health conditions and chronic pain.

Etymology

The term "antidepressant" is derived from the English words "anti-", meaning against, and "depressant", referring to something that reduces activity or vigor. It was first used in the 1960s to describe the action of these medications in combating the symptoms of depression.

Types of Antidepressants

There are several types of antidepressants, including:

Each type works in a different way and has different side effects.

Usage

Antidepressants are used to treat several conditions other than depression, including:

It's important to note that antidepressants take time to work, often several weeks, and they must be taken consistently to be effective.

Side Effects

Like all medications, antidepressants have side effects. These can include:

  • Nausea
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Loss of sexual desire and other sexual problems
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation

See Also

External links

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